New Method of Cyber Crime: Digital House Arrest Loots Victims, Holding Them Hostage at Home

New Delhi, 28th October 2024: As the world becomes increasingly digital, online fraud methods are evolving rapidly. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reported that bank frauds exceeding ₹30,000 crore were registered in the financial year 2023. A recent incident in Noida highlights a disturbing trend, where scammers held a woman hostage in her home and defrauded her of approximately ₹5.20 lakh.

This new method of cybercrime, termed “digital house arrest,” involves scammers impersonating police officers, CBI agents, or customs officials to intimidate victims. In these scams, the perpetrators conduct phone or video calls, creating an illusion that they are communicating from a police station. They falsely accuse victims of being involved in illegal activities associated with their phone numbers, Aadhaar, or bank accounts. Through threats of arrest, they confine victims to their homes and coerce them into transferring money.

In the recent Noida case, a woman reported receiving a call from an international courier company, where an employee claimed that drugs were found in a parcel sent in her name. When she denied any knowledge of such a parcel, the scammers threatened to lodge a complaint with the Mumbai Cyber Crime Branch. Following this, she received a video call featuring a background that resembled a police station. The man, posing as a police officer, kept her awake throughout the night via video call, intimidating her into transferring about ₹5.20 lakh to various accounts.

To avoid becoming a victim of such cyber fraud, it is crucial to remain vigilant and cautious. If anyone receives suspicious calls, they should be wary. It’s important to familiarize oneself with online scam tactics and remember that government agencies, banks, or any investigation body cannot legally threaten or intimidate individuals over the phone. It is advisable to disconnect such calls and report them immediately.

Never share personal or financial details over the phone. If you must provide such information, ensure you verify the caller’s identity first. No legitimate bank or official organization will request your PIN or personal information over the phone. To report scam calls or messages, utilize the government portal Chakshu if you detect any suspicious activity in your bank account.

To safeguard against online scams or digital fraud, it is essential to secure all your accounts, from banking to social media and email. Regularly update your passwords and PINs, enable two-step verification for added security, and keep all your devices updated with the latest software.