You must have heard the almost new approach of cyber fraud ‘Virtual Arrest’. In this period of digitalization, it is the maximum risky and rapidly developing fraud. It is such a tempting of fraud, in which not unusual citizens, professionals, big businessmen or even college students have been trapped.
According to the Union Home Ministry, with the first 10 months of 2024 in India, Rs 2, one hundred and forty crore defrauded through virtual arrest rip-off. That is, on an average, more than Rs 214 crore is being defrauded every month through additional virtual rip-off. Therefore, cognizance and vigilance are very important to keep away from it.
So let’s communicate with the ‘Cyber Literacy’ column today what is almost virtual arrest? Also, we are able to identify that-
Experts:
Rajesh Dandotia, Additional DCP, Crime Branch, Indore
Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Advisor, Uttar Pradesh Police
Question-1:What is Virtual Arrest?
Answer- It is a method of cyber fraud in which cyber criminals impersonate themselves by way of presenting themselves as police officers, cyber mobile dealers or participants of the central authority research employer. They declare that a serious case (connected with sharing pornographic videos, cash laundering or drugs) is registered against you.
Meanwhile, they create a video name on WhatsApp and display faux police ID cards, warrants or court room docket orders. They make a ‘virtual arrest’ for interrogation on the video name. After this, they intimidate the victim and insist him to pay a satisfactory or bail amount.
Question-2: Is there any provision of virtual arrest in Indian law?
Answer- Rajesh Dandotia, Additional DCP, Indore Crime Branch, says that there cannot be such an element as virtual arrest in Indian law.
If someone is trying to scare you or give you wrong information with a virtual arrest call, then it is a fraud. In such a situation, directly inform the concerned cyber mobile or police.
Question-3: What are the felony charges related to virtual arrest?
Answer- Under Indian law, there should be a strong felony charge for the arrest of any person. Arrest is not legal without proper investigation and felony summons procedure. No police officer or official employer can ‘digitally arrest’ you through online summons, e-mail or message.
Some important things to remember regularly-
If a felony case is registered against someone, first police do a proper investigation and a felony summons is issued.
If you are threatened with arrest on WhatsApp, e-mail or social media, confirm it directly and report to cyber crime mobile or police.
No arrest is legal without felony charges and proper procedure. So now don’t be afraid of any on line summons, be cautious and contact cyber crime helpline 1930.
Question- 4:What steps were taken by the Government of India to protect you from virtual arrest?
Answer- Recently, Union Home Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar informed the Lok Sabha that the authorities are constantly working to protect you from virtual scams. By February 2025, 83,668 WhatsApp bills and 3,962 Skype IDs were blocked. This proposal has been fascinated with the aim of reducing crimes like cyber rip-off and virtual arrest.
Question-5: What precautions should be taken to keep away from virtual arrest?
Answer- Rahul Mishra, Cyber Security Advisor of Uttar Pradesh Police, tells the important precautions to keep away from it.
Question-5: What to do if someone calls through displaying concern of virtual arrest?
Answer- If someone calls and threatens virtual arrest, instead of panicking, take those precautions. Such as-
Such TelecellsmartPhone calls are fraud, which are intended to scare you and deceive you. So do not fall for the caller’s words any more.
Do not share your AADHAAR number, bank details, OTP, password or any other relevant facts on such mobile phone calls.
If the caller is claiming to be from a central government company, confirm it.
If the caller is demanding a payment, bank details or a fake amount, it is a 100% rip-off by the miles. Do not pay any amount on such calls. Also, do not load any links or apps.
If possible, report the incident and file a complaint with the Cyber Crime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or the local police.
Have a ‘TrueCaller’ or ‘Spam Detection’ service for your mobile phone, so that potential fraudsters can be identified.
Share such fraud calls with your friends and family so that they can also stay alert. Get reliable information from legitimate cyber crime groups and in case of any doubt, contact the real helpline number.
Question-6: What to do if you fall victim to virtual arrest?
Answer- If you fall victim to virtual arrest, then simply call the cyber crime helpline number 1930. If scammers have attempted to hack your cell phone or e-mail, then simply change the password and activate two-issue authentication (2FA). Also unblock your social media and banking apps. File a complaint with the local police station.
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