What is Digital Arrest Scam?

The Digital Arrest Scam is a trap set by scammers to scare and trick people into giving them money. Here's how it works in simple steps:

1. The First Contact:

   • You may receive an automated call or a direct WhatsApp call.
   • The scammer pretends to be from a government agency like CBI, TRAI, or the police.

2. Scaring the Victim:

   • The scammer says you are involved in a serious crime like money laundering.
   • They might claim:
     • "Your account received illegal money."
     • "Your name is linked to 5 SIM cards being used for sending obscene messages."
     • "We are from TRAI, and 15 FIRs have been filed against this number."
   • They threaten you by saying, "You are digitally arrested!"

3. Fake Instructions:

   • They will ask you to visit Delhi or Mumbai for verification.
   • If you say you cannot travel, they will offer to take your statement online.
   • They instruct you to lock all doors and windows at home and pretend the "digital arrest" is happening in real time.

4. Demands for Money:

   • The victim, now scared, is told to transfer all their money to a "verification account."
   • The scammer promises, "Your money will be refunded after verification."

5. Fake Video Calls:

   • The scammer might appear on a video call wearing a CBI or police uniform to look convincing.
   • They use fear tactics to make you transfer money quickly.

6. After the Scam:

   • Once the victim transfers the money, the scammer blocks them on all platforms.
   • That’s when the victim realizes they’ve been scammed.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never believe random calls claiming you are "digitally arrested."
• Verify any such claims by contacting official government numbers.
• Do not transfer money to unknown accounts.
• Be cautious of video calls with people in fake uniforms.
• Report such scams immediately to your local police or cybercrime cell.

Stay alert and help spread awareness to protect others from this scam!