Phishing scams have evolved into a new generation of cybercrime, with sophisticated schemes that blend online tactics and phone calls to deceive victims. This modern breed of fraudsters uses psychological manipulation to make people follow their demands, sometimes for days on end, and drain their bank accounts. One such method, known as "digital arrest," has emerged, capitalizing on fear and urgency to coerce individuals into transferring large sums of money.
Consider the case of Prabir from Raigarh, Chhattisgarh. He received a series of blank video calls, and upon eventually answering, was confronted with a disturbing image of a naked woman. Shortly after, he received a WhatsApp message threatening to share the explicit photo unless he paid Rs 15 lakh. This form of extortion is a harrowing example of how scammers exploit personal fears and private information to manipulate victims.
Scamming has been a part of human history for centuries, but the digital age has brought about new and increasingly sophisticated methods. Hemant Tiwari, the Deputy Commissioner of Police for Delhi's Cyber Crime Unit, explains that modern scammers use social media to gather detailed personal information. They then exploit this information to create convincing scenarios that induce fear, leading victims to make hasty decisions and transfer money. One of the latest tactics is the so-called "digital arrest," where victims are coerced into staying on video calls for hours under false pretenses, such as a supposed investigation or legal trouble.
The frequency of cybercrime has skyrocketed this year. By May 2024, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) reported over 7,000 cybercrime cases, a staggering 114% increase compared to previous years. This surge is due, in part, to the expanding scope of these crimes and the scammers' relentless drive to innovate. The fraudsters' need to stay ahead of law enforcement has led to increasingly sophisticated schemes, including the creation of fake documents and the impersonation of high-ranking officials.
Scammers have gone as far as setting up elaborate fake police stations and studios to appear legitimate. They often dress in uniforms and use fake official documents to create a false sense of urgency and legitimacy. Victims are then pressured into remaining on video calls for extended periods, during which they are coerced into transferring money to avoid fabricated legal consequences. The Ministry of Home Affairs has issued warnings about such scams, but the perpetrators continue to find new ways to exploit people’s fears.
The psychological aspect of these scams is particularly alarming. Dr. Sneha Sharma, a consultant psychiatrist, notes that scammers exploit human fear to override the rational part of the brain. When people are frightened, they often act impulsively, making them more susceptible to scams. This manipulation of fear is a key factor in why so many individuals fall victim to these fraudulent schemes.
One notable case involved Krishna Dasgupta, a 72-year-old from CR Park in South Delhi. She received a recorded message from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India, falsely claiming her number would be blocked for sharing inappropriate content. This message was followed by a video call from scammers posing as CBI officials. Over 13 hours, Dasgupta was pressured into transferring Rs 83 lakh, believing it was necessary to avoid legal trouble. It wasn’t until later that she realized she had been scammed.
Many of these scammers operate from Southeast Asian countries, where they are often deceived into working for fraud rings. These fraudsters are sometimes recruited from regions like Nuh and Mewat in Haryana. The use of multiple SIM cards and untraceable contact numbers complicates efforts to track them down and bring them to justice.
Certain groups are more vulnerable to these scams, particularly older individuals who may not be as familiar with technology. These people, often aged 50 to 60 and belonging to the upper-middle class, may have substantial savings and be more susceptible to fear-based manipulation. The scammers exploit their lack of technological savvy and fear of legal trouble to extract money.
To protect oneself from these scams, it is crucial to stay informed and vigilant. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from an investigative agency demanding money, it is likely a scam. Hang up immediately and verify the legitimacy of the call by contacting local authorities through official channels. Discussing suspicious calls with family members or friends can also provide additional support and perspective.
In the face of such scams, it is important to remain cautious and thoughtful. Scammers often rely on creating a sense of urgency to prompt immediate action. By taking a step back, questioning the legitimacy of the request, and seeking advice, individuals can better protect themselves and avoid falling victim to these sophisticated frauds. The key is to remember that genuine authorities will not demand money over the phone or via video call and that maintaining a calm and rational approach can help in thwarting these scams.
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