The Global Scam Epidemic How to Protect Our Seniors from Digital Arrest Frauds

A Frightening Afternoon: Meera’s Story
It was an ordinary afternoon when Meera, a 68-year-old retiree, received a call that changed everything. The caller introduced himself as an officer from the Narcotics Bureau, informing her that a suspicious package addressed to her had been intercepted. The man on the line insisted that the package contained illegal drugs, and that Meera would face immediate arrest unless she complied with their demands. Panicking, Meera found herself on a video call with the so-called officer, who showed her what looked like an arrest warrant. He demanded a substantial amount of money to "settle" the issue and coerced her into staying on the video call until the payment was made. Overwhelmed and frightened, Meera transferred the funds, only to realize later that she had been the victim of a sophisticated scam.

The Global Crisis of Digital Arrest Frauds: What You Need to Know
Digital arrest fraud is not just a local issue—it is a global crisis that is increasingly targeting vulnerable populations, especially senior citizens. These scams involve fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officers or officials from various government agencies. These fraudsters use intimidation and deceit, often making video or audio calls to their targets to extort money. The scammers allege that the victim is implicated in criminal activities, such as receiving a parcel containing illegal items, and threaten immediate arrest unless payments are made.

Fraudsters employ highly sophisticated tactics, including fake arrest warrants, deepfake videos, and falsified documents to appear credible. In some instances, scammers set up realistic backgrounds that resemble police stations or government offices, even wearing uniforms to gain trust. Victims are coerced into staying visible on video platforms like Skype or Zoom until they comply with the scammers' demands.

The Expanding Reach: Global Impact of Digital Arrest Frauds
Digital arrest fraud is on the rise across the globe. In India alone, citizens lost approximately Rs 120.3 crore to these scams in the first quarter of 2024, according to recent government data. The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal recorded 0.74 million complaints between January and April 2024, highlighting a sharp increase in digital fraud cases. Globally, countries like the United States, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom have also reported an increase in similar scams, with billions of dollars lost to fraudsters posing as law enforcement.

For example, in the United States, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) reported losses of over $1.1 billion from impersonation scams in 2023. In Switzerland, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) reported nearly 50,000 cases of fake threatening emails and phone calls claiming to be from law enforcement in 2023. These scams accounted for over a third of the reports received, marking a significant rise from the previous year. The NCSC also highlighted that fraudulent job offers and bogus police calls were among the main contributors to the increased reports.

In the United Kingdom, fraud data from UK Finance indicated that banks made good progress in combating fraud, with total fraud losses down by 4% in 2023. However, fraudsters still managed to steal £1.168 billion, highlighting the persistent nature of this issue. The average loss for impersonation scams was £7,448, indicating that scammers are focusing on higher-value targets, while purchase scams saw a 34% increase in cases. These statistics show the urgent need for coordinated international action to combat these scams and protect vulnerable populations.

Lessons from Around the World: How Countries Are Fighting Back
Countries around the world are taking steps to combat digital arrest frauds and protect their citizens. For instance:

United States: The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and FTC have launched extensive awareness campaigns to educate the public, especially senior citizens, about the dangers of digital impersonation scams. Public service announcements and social media campaigns have been effective in spreading the message.

United Kingdom: The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has established a reporting and advisory system that allows victims to report scams directly. The government has also enforced strict penalties for scammers, including significant jail time and heavy fines.

Australia: The ACCC runs the Scamwatch initiative, which provides real-time updates on emerging scams and offers resources to help citizens protect themselves. The ACCC also collaborates with banks to monitor suspicious transactions and prevent fraud.

India can take inspiration from these global best practices to enhance its response to digital arrest fraud. Public awareness campaigns, stricter penalties for scammers, and better collaboration between law enforcement and financial institutions are critical steps that can help mitigate the impact of these scams.

Protect Yourself: Key Prevention Strategies Against Digital Frauds
To prevent falling victim to such scams, it is important to understand some common tactics used by fraudsters and stay informed about how to respond effectively:

No Government Agency Demands Money Over Calls: Remember, legitimate law enforcement or government officials will never ask for payments over phone calls or video chats. Always verify the identity of anyone claiming to be from a government agency.

Do Not Disclose Personal Information: Scammers often ask for personal information such as Aadhaar numbers, bank account details, or OTPs. Never share these details unless you are certain about the authenticity of the caller.

Hang Up and Verify: If you receive a suspicious call, hang up immediately. Verify the claim by contacting the agency directly using official contact details. Never rely on the phone number provided by the caller.

Educate Senior Citizens: The younger generation plays a vital role in protecting their elders. Educate your parents and grandparents about the risks involved in these scams and advise them to reach out to a trusted family member if they receive any suspicious communication.

Use Technology to Stay Safe: Install spam call detection apps that can help identify potential scam calls. The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in) is also available for reporting any such fraudulent activities.

The Path Forward: Strengthening Laws and Building Awareness
Digital arrest fraud is punishable under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. To tackle the growing threat, India must strengthen its laws and improve enforcement. Stricter penalties for offenders, better tracking of digital transactions, and increased cross-border cooperation are crucial in combating these frauds effectively.

Prime Minister Modi, in his 'Mann Ki Baat' address, emphasized the importance of remaining vigilant and spreading awareness about these scams. Public awareness campaigns are one of the most powerful tools available to combat digital arrest fraud. The government, in collaboration with media and civil society, should invest in campaigns that specifically target vulnerable groups, such as senior citizens, to ensure they are well-informed and able to recognize fraudulent schemes.

Take Action Now: Protect Our Seniors from Digital Deception
"We must prioritize the safety of our senior citizens in this digital age, ensuring they are informed and protected against such deceitful schemes. Awareness and vigilance are our best defenses against digital arrest fraud." 

Digital arrest fraud is a growing issue that demands immediate action from all of us. Senior citizens, in particular, are at risk, making it imperative for their families to stay informed and proactive in sharing safety tips. As PM Modi rightly pointed out, awareness is key. By educating ourselves, keeping our elders informed, and reporting suspicious activities, we can collectively prevent these frauds from wreaking further havoc.

Let’s stay alert, learn from global experiences, protect our loved ones, and make digital spaces safer for everyone.

About the Author
Arhan Bagati is a distinguished Kashmiri Pandit and a prominent figure in social work and public policy, focusing on the development of Jammu & Kashmir. He has a notable academic background, with studies at Pomona College, the University of Cambridge, and currently at Harvard, pursuing a Master's in Public Policy. Arhan’s leadership extends beyond academia, particularly through his role as the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India, and as the founder of KYARI, which addresses critical issues in Kashmir, from education to sustainable development​.