The Delhi Police has issued a cautionary advisory to the public regarding a new form of cyber scam dubbed as ‘digital house arrest’, which has been increasingly observed in the national capital, with over 200 cases reported monthly.
What is ‘Digital House Arrest’?
‘Digital house arrest’ entails a fraudulent scheme orchestrated by cybercriminals, wherein they impersonate law enforcement officials to deceive victims into believing that their bank accounts, SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, or other linked cards have been misused.
The scammers then manipulate the victims into believing that they are under virtual confinement, coercing them to make monetary payments to secure their release from the purported investigation.
Recent Cases and Modus Operandi
Illustrating a recent incident, a senior officer highlighted a case where a man was contacted by someone claiming to be from the Crime Branch of Mumbai. The caller alleged that the victim’s Aadhaar card was involved in drug trafficking, compelling the victim to stay home for hours during a simulated interrogation.
The scammers even went to the extent of remotely accessing the victim’s desktop, posing as law enforcement officers and draining his bank account. Such incidents underline the sophistication and audacity of these cybercriminals.
Scammers’ Techniques and Targets
These fraudsters employ translation tools for better communication and often forge letterheads of police departments to instill fear in their victims. They frequently target elderly individuals and utilize various tactics to manipulate and extract money from them.
Rising Cybercrime in Delhi
According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cybercrime cases in Delhi nearly doubled from 345 cases in 2021 to 685 cases in 2022. This surge highlights the growing threat of cybercriminal activities in the region, necessitating heightened vigilance and prompt reporting by citizens.
In light of these developments, the Delhi Police advises victims to immediately report such incidents to the authorities and seek assistance to mitigate the impact of these scams.
