In recent months, a disturbing new scam known as the “Digital Arrest” fraud has emerged, where criminals impersonate law enforcement officers to intimidate and coerce individuals into transferring substantial amounts of money. This alarming trend was recently highlighted by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his Mann Ki Baat broadcast, emphasizing the need for public awareness regarding this new form of deception.**How the Digital Arrest Scam Operates**1. **Initial Contact**: The scam typically begins with an SMS, email, or WhatsApp message claiming that the recipient’s name or phone number is associated with serious criminal activities, such as money laundering or drug trafficking. The message often instructs the recipient to call a specific number to avoid arrest.2. **Impersonation via Video Calls**: If the victim responds, scammers initiate a video call using platforms like Skype or WhatsApp, posing as officials from various law enforcement agencies, including the Maharashtra Police, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB). To enhance their credibility, they utilize realistic setups, including uniforms and props, mimicking a legitimate law enforcement environment.3. **False Accusations**: During the call, victims are falsely accused of serious crimes, including money laundering or involvement in illegal drug distribution. Scammers may also claim that a family member has been arrested or implicated in the case, intensifying the victim’s anxiety.4. **Continuous Surveillance and Intimidation**: Scammers keep the victim on the call, demanding that they remain visible on video as a form of “monitoring.” This tactic aims to instill fear and prevent the victim from consulting others or thinking clearly.5. **Extortion for “Resolution”**: After instilling sufficient fear, the scammers demand money to “clear” the charges. Victims are pressured to transfer large sums to designated accounts, often mule accounts, under the pretense that doing so will prevent further consequences.**Preventive Measures Against Digital Arrest Scams**- **Be Skeptical**: Recognize that legitimate government agencies do not conduct investigations or make arrests via video calls.- **Safeguard Personal Information**: Avoid sharing sensitive information that could be exploited by scammers.- **Never Transfer Money on Demand**: Law enforcement will not demand payments for case dismissals.- **Report Suspicious Calls**: Immediately report any dubious interactions to local police or cybercrime helplines, such as 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.- **Gather Evidence**: Record or screenshot suspicious conversations as potential evidence for authorities. **Case Studies**Several victims have fallen prey to this scam. In one case, a 79-year-old retired consultant in Hyderabad, AV Mohan Rao, lost ₹2 crore to scammers posing as Mumbai Police officers. They presented a fabricated digital arrest warrant with fake seals from the Supreme Court, coercing him into revealing his bank details and transferring large sums in multiple transactions.In another instance, a woman from Hyderabad was tricked into transferring ₹5.9 crore after being led to believe her Aadhaar details were linked to high-profile money laundering cases. Using intimidation, the scammers convinced her that failure to comply would result in her digital arrest.