Digital arrest scam is rising and here is how you can save yourself from this threat

Online scams are becoming a digital epidemic in India. In the past few years, hundreds of cases have been reported of people falling victim to online scams and losing their money. What is more concerning is the complex web these cybercriminals are spinning to trick people and steal money from them. The scams aren’t just about luring people in anymore; now, the scammers are even threatening their targets, emotionally draining them to the point where victims, out of fear, end up sending money. One such online scam where people are being threatened is the “digital arrest scam.”
In the case of the digital arrest scam, the victim first receives a call from an unknown number, with the caller pretending to represent a popular delivery service. Then, within a few months, the caller connects the victim to a supposed police officer, accusing them of involvement in an international smuggling case. While you may think such calls are easy to identify or dismiss, people who have received such calls report that they seem very legitimate because the scammers share personal information.
The caller often shares personal details, such as bank passbook information, causing the victim to fall for the scam. Recently, Richa, a prominent journalist from AajTak, came forward to share her terrifying experience of being trapped in one of these digital arrest scams. She revealed that the scammers had access to her personal information, likely obtained through breaches of sensitive data, such as her Aadhaar details.
According to the National Capital Region (NCR) police, a staggering 600 cases were reported within a mere three-month period, each involving losses exceeding Rs 20 lakh.
The scam typically begins with a call from someone claiming to represent a courier company, like FedEx or DHL. The caller informs the victim that a suspicious package has been linked to their name or address, often containing contraband, illegal substances, or documents related to criminal activity. The caller further explains that the parcel, which was en route to Taiwan, has been confiscated. The call is quickly escalated to a supposed police officer, who warns of imminent arrest unless the victim cooperates.
The scammer then coerces the victim into sharing sensitive information, such as Aadhaar numbers, bank details, or even access to social media and email accounts, under the pretence of “verifying” their innocence. In some cases, the scam extends to video calls where the impersonator, posing as a law enforcement officer, demands further compliance. According to Richa’s account, she was asked to isolate herself in a room away from other family members and friends and even show her room on video call in a 360-degree view. She was also instructed to stay silent, being told that the case involved national security. Many victims, like Richa, have reported that these scammers kept them in a constant state of anxiety, using relentless threats of arrest or legal action if they failed to comply.
This psychological manipulation is what makes the scam so effective. Scammers create a sense of urgency and terror, making the victim more likely to comply without verifying the call’s authenticity.
Fedx has also released an official statement informing users that the company never asks for sensitive information over call. It has urged its users to stay safe. ” FedEx does not request personal information through unsolicited phone calls, mail, or email for goods being shipped or held, unless requested or initiated by customers. If any individual receives any suspicious phone calls or messages, they are advised not to provide their personal information. Instead, they should immediately contact the local law enforcement authorities within the vicinity or report to the cybercrime department of the government of India.”