7th January – In recent months, India has seen a rise in a troubling new kind of cybercrime—digital arrest scams. In these scams, fraudsters pose as police officers and use fake threats of arrest to extort money from their victims. What’s even more alarming is that they’re targeting everyday people, including social media influencers who have a large following.
One such influencer, Ankush Bahuguna, recently shared his terrifying experience. Scammers impersonating Mumbai Police officers accused him of serious crimes and pressured him into making immediate financial payments to avoid arrest. Held hostage for nearly 40 hours, he was mentally and emotionally drained by the ordeal. He later opened up about the experience on social media, describing how these scammers manipulated him with fear and urgency.
These digital arrest scams have become more sophisticated, with fraudsters using video calls to make their threats appear more credible. In the last few months of 2024 alone, scams like this have cost victims a staggering ₹1,777 crore. States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh are reporting the highest losses.
Experts are urging people to stay calm if they receive similar calls. It’s important to verify who’s on the other end of the line before making any payments. Always report suspicious incidents to the police and the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
As we continue to direct the digital age, it’s crucial to stay aware of the risks and take steps to protect our personal information.
Scammers are getting smarter, but with the right knowledge, we can stay one step ahead.
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