Japanese citizen Hiroshi Sasaki, a resident of the Dairy Circle area in Bengaluru, was duped of ₹35.5 lakh by an elaborate cyber fraud. The scam that took place between December 12 and 14 revolved around scammers assuming the roles of law enforcement officers who threatened him with a spurious “digital arrest.”
How the Fraud Was Perpetrated
Initial Call
The incident started with a phone call from a person who said he represented the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India. He said that his phone number was being misused and would be disconnected shortly.
Escalation of the Scam
The scammer asked Sasaki to call another number. Sasaki dialed and got connected via WhatsApp with someone impersonating an officer from the Mumbai Police Cyber Crime wing.
Threats and Accusations
The scammer threatened Sasaki that he was involved in a money laundering case. Threatening to put him under “digital arrest,” they insisted that he pay the demanded amounts immediately to avoid heavy penalties in court.
Coerced Payment
Intimidated and frightened by the threat of further legal action, Sasaki made payments of ₹35.5 lakh using various modes of payment, including RTGS. They told him that the amount would be returned after investigation.
Realization and Complaint
After realizing that he was cheated, Sasaki went to the South East Cyber Crimes, Economics, and Narcotics (CEN) police station in Bengaluru and filed a formal complaint. Now, a detailed investigation is underway to trace the perpetrators and recover the stolen funds.
The Emergence of “Digital Arrest” Scams
What Is a Digital Arrest?
A “digital arrest” is a term that is invented by cybercriminals to intimidate victims. Frauds mislead people of money laundering or other crimes, portraying themselves as police officers. They then make threats and fake legal terminology to intimidate the victim to send money.Legal Explanations
The authorities and experts have again clarified that there is no such provision as “digital arrest” in Indian law. No investigation or arrests are conducted by the enforcement agencies over phone or video calls.
Official Warnings and Initiatives
Public Advisories
There were many advisories issued cautioning citizens about “digital arrest” scams. The Prime Minister of India also spoke about this issue. He appealed to the public to be vigilant and avoid such false calls.
Government Action
The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’ has been launched by the Ministry of Home Affairs under the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, I4C. Through this, people can now immediately report any financial fraud, which freezes the siphoned off funds in due course.
Helpline for Cybercrime
Toll-free number ‘1930’ has been activated by the government to quickly and effectively let the victim report cyber frauds.
Preventive Measures
Do Not Share Personal Information
Avoid providing personal or financial information when receiving unsolicited calls, messages, or emails.Verify Caller Identity
Verify the identity of anyone who claims to be from a government agency or law enforcement body.Report Suspicious Activities
If you suspect fraudulent activity, report it immediately to your local cybercrime unit or the toll-free helpline.Stay Informed
Learn about common cyber fraud tactics so you can recognize and avoid scams.
This incident brings to the fore the need for public awareness about cybercrimes and reemphasizes vigilance in the digital era.
