(THE NEWSMAN OF INDIA.COM)
The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has reportedly issued a public advisory to warn the public about a rising threat in the realm of digital payments: the ‘Digital Arrest’ scam. With the growing popularity of digital transactions in India, NPCI underscores the importance of recognizing and avoiding online scams to protect personal and financial data.

The ‘Digital Arrest’ scam is a recent type of cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers, such as police or tax authorities. These criminals typically contact victims via phone or video calls, falsely claiming that legal action has been taken against them or their family members for serious offenses like money laundering or tax evasion.

Scammers are able to execute these scams effectively by conducting in-depth research on their targets. In some cases, they access victims’ personal information, including online shopping data, which may have been obtained from compromised datasets sold on the dark web. By referencing the victim’s past online purchases, scammers create an illusion of legitimacy, leading the victim to believe that only a law enforcement or government agency could possess such detailed information.

According to NPCI, online fraud continues to evolve, with increasingly sophisticated schemes like the ‘Digital Arrest’ scam becoming more common. In these fraudulent activities, criminals impersonate law enforcement personnel and manipulate individuals into providing personal information or transferring money by fabricating legal situations involving the victim or their family. The scam typically starts with a phone call and may escalate to a video call on platforms like WhatsApp or Skype.

NPCI has provided the following guidance for identifying a potential ‘Digital Arrest’ scam:

Be cautious if you receive unexpected contact from individuals claiming to be from government agencies such as the police, CBI, or customs, especially if they mention urgent legal action.

Exercise caution if scammers pressure you with urgency or threats, using tactics like claiming arrest or legal consequences.

Stay alert for requests for video calls, particularly if the scammer tries to appear official by using police uniforms or background sounds.

Use Support Channels: If you suspect a scam, report suspicious numbers to the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or to the Department of Telecommunications.

Be wary of any requests for sensitive information or payments, as they may be fraudulent. Scammers often ask for personal details or demand payments under the pretext of resolving a fictitious legal issue.

(Source national media dailies)