Cybercriminals use advanced deception tactics to make their scams appear legitimate and intimidating. Here are some of the most common techniques used in Digital Arrest Fraud:
1. Spoofed Calls & Fake IDs
📞 Caller ID Spoofing: Scammers manipulate phone numbers to make them appear as if they are from real police stations, cybercrime units, or government agencies.
📩 Fake Email IDs & WhatsApp Messages: Fraudsters send messages from email addresses or numbers resembling official government agencies.
2. Use of AI & Deepfake Technology
🎭 Deepfake Videos & Voices: Scammers create fake video calls or voice recordings that appear to be from real police officers or government officials.
🔊 AI-Generated Conversations: Some scams involve automated AI bots that mimic human-like conversations to build credibility.
3. Fake Arrest Warrants & Legal Notices
📜 Fabricated Legal Documents: Most commonly, during digital arrest scams, victims receive fake arrest warrants, court summons, or FIR copies with official-looking stamps and signatures.
📧 Emailed Legal Threats: They send documents threatening legal action unless a fine or bail is paid immediately.
4. Psychological Manipulation & Fear Tactics
😨 Immediate Arrest Threats: Victims are told they are under investigation for crimes like money laundering, drug trafficking, or cybercrime.
⏳ Urgency & Time Pressure: Scammers say the victim has only a few hours to act or risk arrest, increasing panic.
5. Forced Confidentiality & Isolation
🤫 Instructing Victims to Stay Silent: Fraudsters tell victims not to inform family, friends, or bank officials, claiming it will “interfere with the investigation.”
🚫 Keeping Victims on Long Calls: They keep victims engaged in long calls to prevent them from verifying the scam.
6. Demand for Payment via Untraceable Methods
💸 Digital Wallets & UPI Payments: Fraudsters request payments via Paytm, Google Pay, or PhonePe.
🪙 Cryptocurrency & Gift Cards: Some demand Bitcoin or prepaid gift cards to avoid traceability.
🏦 Fake Bank Accounts: They provide fraudulent account numbers, often registered under fake identities.
7. Fake Video Calls with Fake Police Officers
📹 Live Video Calls: Scammers pretend to be police officers via video calls, sometimes using deepfake videos or actors in uniforms.
8. Fake Cybercrime Portals & Websites
🌐 Clone Government Websites: Fraudsters create lookalike websites of police or cybercrime agencies to trick victims into entering personal details.
🔗 Phishing Links: Victims are asked to fill out forms, unknowingly handing over sensitive information.
How to Protect Yourself from Digital Arrest Scams
✅ Stay Calm – No real law enforcement agency will demand money over a call.
✅ Verify the Identity – Call the actual cybercrime helpline (📞 1930) or check cybercrime.gov.in.
✅ Never Share Personal or Banking Information – Real officials will not ask for your OTPs, Aadhaar, or bank details.
✅ Report the Fraud – If you suspect a scam, report it immediately on the National Cybercrime Portal.
