Call from Unknown number ? Beware it may be a digital fraud.

Today i got a call from an unknown number (+1877776503345) and the IVR tells me that the call is from the Airport Authority of India and all the numbers linked to my number shall be deactivated immediately and if i need to stop that i need to press 1. So what I pressed, then the line connects to a man introducing him as the Sr. inspector and he tells me to confirm my mobile number and name to which swiftly did. Then he said that there are few flights booked on my name and cancelled, and I have filed for cancelled ticket refunding. This was an illegal activity and he shouted at me asking why I did so. Despite my denial he din't agree and pretended to be serious and warned me to lodge a case against me and transfer the case to the international court. I apprehended something wrong the way he handled the entire call then I handled it in a way that he had no other option but to drop the call. 

But think of any common man when he gets such a call from any govt. agency and hears of cases being filed, he would have been panicked and got into the trap.

this is called digital fraud and leads digital arrest.

What exactly is the Scam called ‘Digital Arrest’?

“Digital Arrest” is relatively new and increasingly common kind of online fraud. In this type of fraud artists poseing as police officers or someone from the government and commit the crime. 

Understanding the Scam

The “Digital Arrest” actually starts with a call or a video call from a man who pretends to be a police officer, official or even a judge. The caller warns the victim that he or she has been under investigation for a serious crime such as money laundering, human trafficking or drugs trafficking. In order to make the scam more believable, the fraudsters might present fake documents, use logos from police stations and make video calls while their colleagues dress in police uniforms.

How the Scam Works

1. Initial Contact: The victim gets a routine call or a video call from the scammers as a police officer. Scammer tells the victim that he is under investigation and that he has to cooperate in order not to be arrested.
2. Creating Urgency: These fraudsters design the appearance of the email in a way that makes the victim feel that their accounts are frozen and that they must unfreeze it immediately. It also can even intimidate the victim with the promise of immediate arrest if he or she does not conform.
3. Requesting Money: The perpetrator tricks the victim into sending money to their account by offering to clear their name or threatened with arrest. The fraudsters may supply a bank account number and identify as requiring secrecy; the victim should not tell anyone.
4. Continuous Communication: The scammers keep pestering the target, and put them under psychological pressure making them unable or unwilling to contact authorities or investigate the claims.
5. Extraction of Sensitive Information: Sometimes, the fraudsters may request other private details such as the account number, password or other related identifiers, in the name of formulating an investigation.

Prevention and Awareness

To protect oneself from falling victim to the "Digital Arrest" scam, it is crucial to be aware of the tactics used by fraudsters and take preventive measures:

• Verify the Caller: In any case you must try to identify the caller and then call the local police department or any other governmental institution.
• Do Not Share Personal Information: In regard to detail section and privacy, never provide any details related to personal or even financial character through the phone or targeted video number with unidentified person.
• Report Suspicious Calls: In case a person feels that it is a fake call they should promptly report it to the local police or cybercrime department.
• Stay Informed: Be familiar with the current scams and fraud practises that can be used by potential threats.

What to Do If You Ever get scammed?

In case you come across a digital scam, it is good to try and follow the steps below to minimize the losses and seek help:

1. Report the Scam: It is recommended that you contact your local police or cybercrime to make a complaint. You can report cyber-crime through National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or through National Toll-free Helpline number 1930.
2. Notify Financial Institutions: Advice your bank or credit card Company about the scam. They can act to protect your accounts and stop more charges you did not authorize.
3. Seek Legal Advice: Inform yourself regarding your legal possibilities and ways in which you can salvation your losses with the help of the lawyer specialized in cybercrime.
4. Contact Consumer Protection Agencies: Contact the relevant consumer protection agencies for help.
5. Use Support Networks: Attach yourself to groups and relevant organizations that deal with the aftermath of being scammed. These networks may provide emotional support, legal aid and information on how to get back into the society.