Scammers know who they are targeting: How to avoid falling victim to digital arrests

Digital arrest scams have become an increasing cyber threat, with criminals posing as law enforcement officials to deceive and extort money from unsuspecting victims. Reports say over 11 lakh cyber fraud cases were reported in 2024, with the elderly being particularly vulnerable due to limited digital familiarity, The Hindu reported.

Imagine getting a phone call all of a sudden from someone impersonating a police officer. The caller, using a stern and urgent tone, accuses the individual of involvement in a crime and demands immediate action—often asking for a fine payment or personal information to avoid arrest. Many people fall prey to this digital arrest scam, a growing form of cybercrime that exploits fear and confusion. Even those well-versed in online banking and security measures have been deceived by these crafty fraudsters.

Interestingly, the victims of this scam are not necessarily uninformed or uneducated. So, how do even knowledgeable and tech-savvy individuals, who are comfortable with net banking and other online services, fall victim to the digital arrest scam?

The answer lies in the scammer’s clever use of psychological manipulation, which can catch even the most cautious by surprise, according to investigators and psychologists. They explain that the digital arrest scam is a textbook example of exploitation, utilising fear, urgency, and authority to create a perfect storm of panic and confusion.

How digital arrest scam works?

Digital arrest scams usually start with a phone call or message from someone pretending to be a law enforcement officer or government official. They claim that you are connected to illegal activities—such as having an arrest warrant out for you or drugs found in your parcel—and demand urgent action. Scammers often use spoofed phone numbers that look like they are from legitimate government agencies.

As panic sets in, the fraudster pressures the victim to share sensitive information, like bank account details, or to make payments via untraceable methods such as prepaid debit cards or wire transfers.

Scammers create a false sense of crisis, making people act on impulse rather than logic. Even those familiar with online banking and cybersecurity can get caught off guard. "The scammer's goal is to create a sense of panic and confusion, making it difficult for the victim to think clearly or seek outside help. They may use high-pressure tactics, threatening to arrest the victim or seize their assets if payment is not made immediately," an investigator told TOI.

Fake backgrounds and uniform

The use of fake backgrounds and men in uniform by digital arrest scammers is a clever strategy that enhances the perceived authenticity of their deception. "By utilising advanced technology to create a fake police station backdrop, complete with the sounds of a busy precinct, the scammers craft an immersive experience that convinces the victim they are indeed talking to law enforcement," explained another investigator.

The appearance of officers in uniform, either visible on screen or audible in the background, strengthens the illusion, making it harder for the victim to question the scammer’s legitimacy. This meticulously constructed sense of authority and urgency allows the scammers to manipulate the victim’s fears, ultimately leading to financial exploitation.

Obtaining personal information

Scammers carefully select their targets, using tactics to get sensitive bank customer data, with a particular focus on elderly individuals who are more vulnerable. They often rely on social engineering techniques, such as phishing emails or phone calls, to deceive people into revealing personal and financial information. They even exploit security breaches or data leaks from financial institutions, online marketplaces, or dark web forums to access customer details.

To acquire "mule accounts," scammers often lure unsuspecting individuals through online job postings or social media ads, promising easy money or work-from-home opportunities. "These individuals are then persuaded to allow scammers to use their bank accounts under the false belief that the transactions are legitimate. In some cases, scammers resort to coercion, threats, or blackmail to gain control of an account," a senior officer informed. Scammers also buy or rent bank accounts from organised crime groups or individuals engaged in illegal activities.

Use of SIM cards

The scammers buy thousands of SIM cards on fake documents to make their calls appear legitimate and avoid detection by using one SIM card per target. Many a times, small retailers have been found to be selling bulk SIM cards to the scammers at discounted rates without proper verification.

"Fake companies are also created to buy bulk SIM cards from telecom oper-ators or authorised retailers. Additionally, identity theft is used to steal the identities of legitimate businesses or people to obtain bulk SIM cards. The grey market and online marketplaces, including dark web forums, are other platforms where bulk SIM cards are obtained from unauthorised sellers, ultimately aiding digital arrest scammers," cyber cell cop told TOI.

To avoid falling victim to such scams, it is vital to stay alert and sceptical, always verifying the identity of unsolicited callers and refraining from sharing sensitive personal information like bank account details, investigators warn. The best advice from law enforcement is to ignore calls about drugs in parcels or other suspicious claims.