Digital arrest scams continue to became mainstream

Cybercrime has evolved rapidly, with fraudsters leveraging advanced technology to manipulate victims into digital arrest scams-a scheme where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials and extort money under the pretense of legal trouble. The issue has become so severe that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued warnings about these deceptive tactics, urging citizens to stay vigilant.

Cyber Swindlers Exploit Fear in Latest Scam Wave with newer idea includes:

•  The "FedEx Scam": Victims receive a call or message claiming a package with illegal contents has been found in their name. Scammers impersonate law enforcement or customs officials, demanding payment to avoid arrest or legal action.   
•  The "Tax Evasion Scam": Victims are contacted about alleged tax fraud or unpaid dues. Scammers pose as tax officials, threatening arrest or legal consequences if immediate payment is not made.   
•  The "Social Security Scam": Victims receive calls or messages about suspended Social Security benefits due to fraudulent activity. Scammers impersonate Social Security Administration officials, demanding personal information or payment to reinstate benefits.

Several high-profile cases have surfaced, highlighting the scale of this scam:

Bengaluru Businessman Duped of ₹50 Lakhs – A businessman was coerced into transferring ₹50 lakh ($60,000)after receiving a call from fraudsters claiming his Aadhaar details were linked to a money laundering case.

Delhi Woman Tricked into Paying ₹2 Crore – A working professional received a fraudulent legal notice via WhatsApp, which led her to deposit ₹2 crore ($240,000) to "clear her name."

Mumbai Doctor Targeted with AI-Generated Deepfake – A doctor was nearly scammed when he received a deepfake video call showing what appeared to be a police officer reading out charges against him.

The rise of digital arrest scams highlights the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals. While government agencies and law enforcement are working to curb these crimes, awareness and vigilance remain the best defense. The key takeaway? No legitimate authority will ever demand money over the phone—if you receive such a call, it’s a scam.Stay alert, verify, and report.

Ms. S Mohini Ratna - Editor VARINDIA