Authorities urge public vigilance as 15 cases surface in 9 months
Friday, 04 October 2024 | PURNIMA BISHT | DEHRADUN
Uttarakhand is witnessing a troubling rise in digital arrest scams. While only one case was registered last year, 15 such cases have already surfaced this year, highlighting a significant increase in a short period. The scams are predominantly conducted by cybercriminals operating from countries like Thailand, Dubai, Myanmar and Cambodia, as per the deputy superintendent of police (DSP) Ankush Mishra of the Dehradun Cyber Crime Police Station, Special Task Force (STF). He said that there are currently 180 ongoing investigations in financial frauds, with 170 of them linked to Chinese scams involving fraudulent stock marketing schemes and digital arrests. Victims in the State have collectively lost around Rs13 crores only in digital arrest scams. Despite repeated advisories from the police, highly educated individuals, including teachers, businessmen and army personnel, have fallen victim to these scams. The reported losses range from minimum Rs 15 lakh to as much as Rs three crores.
Mishra explained the method behind these scams, pointing out that there is no legal concept of a ‘digital arrest’ or ‘online investigation’ in Indian law enforcement. Yet, scammers create a convincing illusion, making their targets believe they are under investigation for serious crimes. The victims are often led to believe that failure to comply with the scammers’ instructions could result in lengthy imprisonment. A strategic technique used by the scammers is constant surveillance. Victims are forced to stay on video calls via platforms like Skype or Zoom, even switching devices as they move from room to room. These scammers go as far as threatening victims with legal consequences if they discuss the matter with anyone else. Mishra said that to enhance the illusion of authenticity, the scammers create fake backdrops, using names of enforcement agencies like the Crime Branch Bureau or the Enforcement Directorate. They employ props such as uniforms, identity cards and background noises to simulate a real investigation environment, making the victims believe they are genuinely under investigation.
Mishra said that many of these cybercrimes are perpetrated by Indians who are lured abroad with job offers to countries like Thailand and Dubai, only to be forced into scamming people back home. Those who refuse are often subjected to torture. Once involved, it becomes difficult for individuals to escape this highly organised criminal network. Some people from Uttarakhand have also been trapped in such operations. In August, chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami requested External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar to facilitate the return of 24 people from the State who were allegedly coerced into working in fraudulent call centres in Myanmar. Mishra further added that there have been some cases in which some individuals start enjoying the act of conning people and continue in the illegal work, often sending large sums of money back to their families, who in turn hardly question them about the situation.
The DSP urged the public to be cautious and vigilant to combat this growing menace. He emphasised that any demand for money during an investigation should be an immediate red flag, as no legitimate inquiry can be concluded by paying off an investigator. Mishra reiterated that there is no provision in Indian law for a digital arrest and no one can be forced to keep their video or microphone on at all times. He encouraged people to report any suspicious calls or scams to the police helpline or the cybercrime helpline 1930. As the number of digital arrest scams continues to rise, authorities are pushing for greater public awareness and vigilance. By staying informed and reporting suspicious activities, the public can play a crucial role in helping law enforcement tackle this growing cyber threat.
