Cyber frauds through ‘digital arrest’: Bhubaneswar DCP explains how to remain alert

No doubt cyber crime still remains a major concern for the law enforcement agencies across the country. The rapid use of technology is attributed to rise in such scams online. Bhubaneswar DCP Prateek Singh recently shared an awareness video asking people to remain alert as the cyber criminals have come up with a new method to dupe people.

In the video, the Bhubaneswar DCP informed that in the new type of cyber fraud, a person gets call on WhatsApp or mobile. The victim is told that some drugs and illegal objects have been found in a parcel.

Apart from this, the callers tell the victims that a warrant has been issued. Later, a Skype link is sent in which an imposter, posing a police official, reveals that the victim is put under detention or arrested. The victim is made to sit for hours under ‘Digital Arrest’ which sometimes continue for two days.

What Is Digital Arrest?

“Digital Arrest” has emerged as a major concern. It usually involves cyber fraudsters, who posing as law enforcing authorities, extort money from victims on video calls.

By claiming that the victims are put under arrest, the cyber fraudsters collect information regarding the deposits in bank accounts, fixed deposits and other assets, said Bhubaneswar DCP.

After making them detained at a particular place, the miscreants then force the victims to follow their instructions and transfer money, he said.

“People should remain alert and should not trust such callers and they should immediately contact nearest police station,” said the DCP.