• 3 weeks ago
The Digital Arrest Scam is on the rise, targeting unsuspecting people with fake police threats to trick them into giving away personal and financial information. This scam preys on fear, using intimidation and elaborate setups to mimic real law enforcement, as seen in the recent case of Vijay from Gujarat. With scammers adopting convincing tactics and fake authority, staying vigilant is essential in today’s digital age. Watch the full episode where Anchor Riya breaks down each aspect of this new scam called Digital Arrest.


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Transcript
00:000
00:05Phone Ringing
00:09Sir
00:10Yes
00:11Hello
00:12Hello Sir
00:14Ya Vijay
00:16Yes Sir
00:18So we have verified you through the verification process
00:21I will send you a statement where you can tell me if there is any clearative glare
00:24and on that basis, your Aadhaar card misuse complaint will be registered
00:28and you will be provided a complaint copy from here.
00:30Okay? So, you stay on the line with me.
00:34I am from Alambagh Police Station.
00:36SI Sunil Gopal Mishra, I am taking your statement.
00:38I have a complainer with me, whose name is Vijay.
00:40Yes, sir.
00:41Vijay works in Gujarat and he says that his ID card has been misused and a number has been purchased.
00:46The number is...
00:47This number has been purchased on 22-25-24.
00:54The purchase location is...
01:04So, first of all, tell me your name and where are you giving your statement from.
01:08Sir, my name is Vijay Gajera and I am giving my statement from Gujarat.
01:13Vijay Gajera?
01:14Yes, sir.
01:17So, look, you have been connected to the statement line.
01:19You said that your Aadhaar card is being misused.
01:21So, is the Aadhaar card that is being misused yours or is it being used by a third party?
01:26No, I have the Aadhaar card, sir.
01:29Do you have the Aadhaar card?
01:31Yes.
01:32As a proof, show it to the camera.
01:36The reporter said that three banknotes were found in your name from his house.
01:39ICICI, HDFC and SBI.
01:42In which an illegal transaction has been done in Lucknow.
01:45Sir, I have not opened any such account.
01:51Sir, I have not opened any such account.
01:58I don't know. I don't know what is going on, sir.
02:01I have not done anything like that.
02:1441A, 42B, 43C, Narcotics, Antitumor.
02:18Under PMLA, you have been fined Rs. 5,00,000 for 17 years.
02:23But sir, I have not done anything like that.
02:27Picture this.
02:28Your phone rings and the voice on the other end claims that you are in a big trouble.
02:35They say your phone number has been flagged for serious allegations like harassment and financial fraud.
02:41They insist on a real police investigation as the only way out.
02:45And tells you to either show up in the person at the police station within the given hours or give your statement right away online on a video call.
02:55With the time ticking and such pressure, you will take the call.
02:59Well, this is the hook behind a new breed of cybercrime known as Digital Arrest Scam.
03:06Where imposters posing as police and officials target unsuspecting individuals using intimidation and fear to drain their bank accounts.
03:16This is no cooked up story but exactly what happened with the resident of Rajkot, Gujarat named Vijay.
03:24An ordinary man like you and me who fell victim to this scam.
03:28His ordeal began with a call from an unknown number telling him his phone would be blocked in the next four hours.
03:35They accused him of harassment and financial fraud and said that they were representing the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India or in short TRAI.
03:43Vijay was given two choices.
03:45First to travel all the way from Gujarat to Lucknow police station in Uttar Pradesh within 12 hours.
03:52Or give his statement immediately over a WhatsApp video call.
03:55Trapped and fearing the legal consequences, he opted the video call.
03:59A choice most of us would make under such pressure.
04:03But here's where Vijay took a different route.
04:06Suspecting full claim, he decided to play along.
04:10Acting fearful and innocent, the WhatsApp call connected him to a man posing as a police officer.
04:17With an official looking backdrop that resembled a police station.
04:21This wasn't an accidental touch.
04:24The scammer had set the scene perfectly to ensure the illusion of authority.
04:29The officer immediately demanded proof that Vijay was alone.
04:33Asking him to pan his phone in 360 degree view.
04:47So who else is with you? A third party?
04:49No one sir.
04:51No one?
04:52No sir.
04:53Do one thing. Pan your phone in 360 degree view.
04:55After ensuring that he wasn't with anyone, the scammer began asking for details about Vijay's Aadhaar card.
05:01And even went as far as providing advice on how to protect it.
05:06This tactic of building trust is very common in scams.
05:11It makes the victim feel the caller is genuinely trying to help.
05:15Then came up the masterstroke.
05:17Vijay received a document over WhatsApp.
05:20Supposedly from the Supreme Court and trial.
05:23It had his name, Aadhaar number and an air of authority.
05:27But there was a flaw.
05:29A spelling mistake.
05:31Which was a subtle giveaway.
05:33Meanwhile the scammer, still in character, used a walkie talkie to consult with headquarters.
05:38Using change in tone and threatening language to intensify the pressure.
05:44Now the scammer falsely implicated Vijay in a money laundering case.
05:49I'll tell you from the beginning.
05:51The case of 850 crore rupees money laundering is being handled by the ED department and Narcotics department.
05:56Out of which, ED department and Narcotics department have covered 425 crore rupees.
06:04But 425 crore rupees is still missing.
06:08If you are found guilty in this case, I'll tell you.
06:11Because the evidence we have now is completely against you.
06:14Linked to a high profile figure, hoping to rattle him further.
06:18The scammer's goal was very clear.
06:21They wanted Vijay's bank detail so that they could make their next move.
06:26And drain all his account money.
06:28The scammer continued to inquire whether Vijay used UPI apps or online banking.
06:35To which Vijay smartly and clearly stated that all his transactions are done in cash.
06:41And does not use any online platform.
06:44After all the failed attempts, the scammer still pretending to be a police officer.
06:49Escalated the cause to a supposed DCP, his senior.
06:53The DCP then told Vijay that they needed to transfer all his money from his bank account to the given bank account.
07:00Assuring him that it would be returned if he was found innocent.
07:04Along with a certificate that will clear his name from this money laundering case.
07:09Informed Vijay did not proceed with any payment.
07:12Rather confronted the scammers.
07:14To reveal their identity and asked about their modus operandi.
07:18To which the scammer said was unbelievable and shocking.
07:40Now this raises concern about the corrupt officials who motivated by bribes or other incentives.
07:46Might tip off fraudster about the ongoing investigations.
07:50Delay legal actions or actively shield these criminals from scrutiny.
07:54Such alleged complicity only strengthens the confidence of the scam syndicates.
08:00Who exploit loopholes and enjoy greater impunity knowing they may not face severe repercussions.
08:07With more people relying on online communication and digital transaction.
08:11Scams like this are becoming alarming common.
08:14Last year alone thousands of digital fraud cases were reported in India.
08:18Costing citizens millions of money.
08:21This is a modern epidemic.
08:23One that prays the vulnerable and unsuspecting.
08:27And with digital scam becoming more sophisticated.
08:31Staying informed and vigilant is our best protection.
08:34So now whenever you get a suspicious call or a message.
08:37Take a moment to verify its authenticity.
08:40By contacting the organization directly using official channels.
08:45Scams often follow patterns.
08:48Staying aware about these helps us avoid traps and keep our information safe.
08:53In this digital age a little skepticism and caution go a long way.
08:58Knowledge and vigilance are the strongest defense we have.
09:03As we sign off remember this.
09:05The best way to protect yourself is to stay informed.
09:09And be vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited demands.
09:13No matter how credible they may seem.
09:16Digital fraud is real and it is closer to us than we realize.
09:21Stay alert, stay safe and don't let fear make decision for you.
09:26I am your host Rhea and you are watching One India.
09:32Visit OneIndia.com for more updates.

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