A disturbing new scam known as “digital arrest” has been targeting people across India, exploiting fear and the pretense of authority to steal money. While “digital arrest” isn’t a real term in Indian law, it’s a name being used to describe a scam in which fraudsters impersonate officials to intimidate victims into transferring money. In recent cases, scammers have posed as representatives from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) or even police officers to carry out their schemes. The setup is sophisticated, and the emotional manipulation is intense, leading many people to fall for the scam.
How the Scam Works
Imagine receiving an unexpected call. The caller sounds very official, claiming to be from TRAI or the police. They inform you that your phone number is allegedly linked to criminal activities, such as harassment or fraud, and that you’re in serious trouble. You’re told that you can either go to a police station in the next few hours or join a video call to resolve the issue.
Most people understandably choose the video call option to avoid the stress of visiting a police station. When you join the call, you’re met by someone who appears to be in uniform and has a background that looks like a police station. They even show you documents a letter resembling one from the Supreme Court, official-looking papers, and Aadhaar information to make everything seem legitimate. They politely but firmly ask you to provide your Aadhaar details “for verification.”
Then, things take a turn. The “officer” says that to clear your name, you’ll need to transfer money to a “secure” account. They reassure you that the money is only being held temporarily and will be returned as soon as the investigation is over. With the official tone, convincing visuals, and threat of legal trouble, many victims comply without realizing it’s a scam until it’s too late.
How Are Scammers Getting This Personal Information?
Scammers likely acquire Aadhaar details and other personal data through illegal means such as data breaches, phishing attacks, or social engineering (the art of manipulating people to share confidential information). There are also illicit markets on the dark web where stolen information is sold. The Aadhaar database is legally protected, but any vulnerability in the systems that store or share data with it could expose personal details.
Strengthening the security of such sensitive data is essential. This means not only protecting the Aadhaar system itself but also tightening security on all systems connected to it, ensuring that data breaches are promptly reported, and raising public awareness about phishing scams.
What Tools Do Scammers Use to Appear So Real?
Today’s technology makes it easier than ever to simulate official settings. With basic video editing tools, deepfake software, and background replacement, scammers can create an office or police station setting on a video call. Some even use voice modulation to sound more authoritative or different than they do in real life. These methods make the caller’s setup look professional and convincing, tricking victims into thinking they’re speaking to a genuine official.
One potential solution is for video-call platforms like WhatsApp to implement more security protocols to detect and flag suspicious calls. However, it’s also essential for people to stay vigilant and question any unusual requests during video calls, especially if they’re being pressured to take immediate action.
Why Are Victims Staying on the Call?
Aside from emotional manipulation, scammers might use technical tricks to keep victims engaged on the call. They might keep up constant interaction, so the victim feels unable to leave without being rude or breaking protocol. In some cases, they could even use screen-locking malware to make it harder to exit the call.
To protect against this, people should be aware of how to end calls safely and recognize when to simply hang up. Knowing that no real authority will ever pressure you over a WhatsApp video call or demand immediate payment is an important step toward staying safe.
Could Stronger Verification Standards Help?
When people are impersonating institutions like TRAI or the police, it highlights the need for better verification standards. Multi-factor authentication, for example, could provide an extra layer of security for official communications, especially if more people knew how to use it.
Education around these verification methods could make a difference. For instance, if more people were aware that police or TRAI would never use informal channels like WhatsApp for official matters, they might be more cautious in these situations.
Raising Awareness and Cybersecurity Education
Many people aren’t aware of the potential dangers of sharing sensitive details, like Aadhaar information, over a video call. A strong focus on cybersecurity education could make a real difference. Learning to recognize red flags — such as requests for money over a call, the need for “temporary” transfers, or any urgent threat of legal trouble — is essential.
Cybersecurity awareness can help protect people from these scams. Simple rules, like never sharing banking or Aadhaar information over informal channels, can go a long way. Recognizing that real officials don’t request money over video calls is a key defense.
The “digital arrest” scam is a reminder of how criminals are using technology and fear to manipulate people. By staying informed, questioning suspicious requests, and being cautious with personal information, people can protect themselves against scams like these. Public awareness, stronger security for personal data, and better verification standards can collectively help reduce the risk and stop scammers from exploiting people in this way.
Abhinav Ankit, a Digital and Cyber security analyst and a Law student specializing in “Digital Forensics” writes on the topic of Digital Security / Cyber Security, especially concerning emerging new threats and the precautions one can take to secure oneself digitally.
