As per the advisory of cyber-security agency CERT-In, a “digital arrest” is one in which victims receive a phone call, e-mail or message claiming they are under investigation for illegal activities, such as identity theft or money laundering.
Mumbai: A 67-year-old woman was “digitally arrested” by online fraudsters and forced to pay Rs 14 lakh for clearing her name in a non-existent money laundering case, a Mumbai police official said on Monday.
As per the advisory of cyber-security agency CERT-In, a “digital arrest” is one in which victims receive a phone call, e-mail or message claiming they are under investigation for illegal activities, such as identity theft or money laundering.
“The scammer threatens the victim with arrest or legal consequences unless he takes immediate action. They often create a sense of panic to prevent rational thinking. Under the guise of “clearing their name”, “assisting with the investigation” or “refundable security deposit/escrow account”, individuals are coerced into transferring large sums of money to specified bank accounts or UPI IDs,” the advisory said.
Speaking about the case involving the 67-year-old woman, the police official said, “The accused posed as Delhi Telecom Department and Cyber Crime branch personnel. They placed her under ‘digital arrest’ after accusing her of involvement in a high-profile money laundering case. The crime took place between September 1 and 5 in Kandivali West where she stays with her sister-in-law.” “A case was registered on Saturday on her complaint at North Region Cyber Police Station. As per the complaint, the woman received a call on September 1 from a person who identified himself as an official of Delhi Telecom Department. She was told a case was registered against her at Delhi Cyber Crime branch. The accused told the woman her Aadhaar card was used in the crime,” he said.