The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has issued an advisory to online payments users regarding increasing incidents and threats of online fraud and digital arrest in the country. Recently, Prime Minister Modi said in an episode of Mann Ki Baat that Indians lost Rs 120.3 crore due to the digital arrest scam.
NPCI said that the reach of digital payment is now extending to every corner of the country, taking the country towards digital first. This system provided both security and convenience to users. However, it is important to use digital systems safely and avoid scams. By detecting any possible fraud or scam in time, you can save yourself and your loved ones.
In such a situation, let us know what digital arrest is and what are the ways to detect and avoid it…
What is digital arrest? Digital arrest is a new type of online and online scam, where fear is the most important part. By pretending to be investigators from the police or other government agencies, scammers first trick people into believing they have committed a financial crime or that something bad has happened or is about to happen to one of their family members. In most cases, the person sitting in front is wearing a police uniform. In such a situation, people believe that he is telling the truth. After that, they continue to fall into their trap.
NPCI said, this is how digital arrest happens
Phone calls on behalf of government officials: Be careful if someone claims to be from government agencies like the police, CBI, income tax officer or customs officer. Especially if they claim immediate legal action is pending or necessary, be wary. They may claim that you or a family member is involved in a serious crime such as money laundering, tax evasion or drug trafficking. Threatening language and haste: These scammers ask you for a video call. In this they wear police uniform and government logo is also printed on the uniform. To do this, they also create a setup similar to a real police station. During negotiations, they often threaten arrest or immediate legal action. They want a quick response from you to all their requests. Demand for sensitive information and money: Digital interceptors will ask you for personal information or may demand a huge sum of money to clear your name of the allegations made against you. They may also force you to transfer money to their account until the investigation is complete. They may force you to deposit money into a bank account or UPI ID in the name of confirming your name, assisting in an investigation, or providing a refundable security deposit.
What to do to avoid a digital arrest?
Do not answer any suspicious calls arriving on WhatsApp, Facebook or Instagram. If you picked up the phone, don’t panic. Do not share your personal and financial information. If you have any doubts, hang up immediately. Avoid long conversations on the phone. Check calls from unknown numbers immediately with an app like TrueCaller.
Government shut down 1.7 crore SIM cards
Recently, the Indian government has banned around 1.7 crore SIM cards. All these SIM cards were issued using fake Aadhar cards and other documents. Apart from this, you can complain by calling the cybercrime helpline number 1930.