Scammers use fear, urgency to con people using 'digital arrest', online scams: Cyber advisory

Indian cyber-security agency CERT-In on Sunday shared a list that talks about more than a dozen ways in which online scams are being perpetrated by fraudsters in country, including "digital arrest" to dupe people by stealing ir money and private data. public visory has been accessed by PTI and it came on a day when Prime Minister Narendra Modi too cautioned people against such frauds in his monthly "Mann ki Baat" rio brocast.

Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) visory said "digital arrest" is an online scam as “government agencies do not use platforms like WhatsApp or Skype for official communication.” "Verify ir identity by directly contacting relevant agency," it recommended.

visory said in a case of "digital arrest", victims receive a phone call, e-mail or message claiming that y are under investigation for illegal activities, such as identity ft or money laundering. scammer threatens victim with arrest or legal consequences unless he takes immediate action. y often create a sense of panic to prevent rational thinking, visory said.

Under guise of "clearing ir name", "assisting with investigation" or "refundable security deposit/escrow account", individuals are coerced into transferring large sums of money to specified bank accounts or UPI IDs, it ded. visory asked people, who get contacted by such cyber criminals, to "not panic as scammers use fear and urgency to manipulate victims."

"Take a moment to assess situation calmly before responding. Avoid sharing personal information and never disclose sensitive personal or financial details over phone or video calls, especially to unknown numbers," CERT-In said.

It stressed that people should not transfer money "under pressure" as legitimate law-enforcement agencies "will never pressure you into sending money immediately".

"If someone demands money over phone or online, it's most likely a scam," it said.

visory said staying "vigilant and informed" is crucial to protect oneself from this "emerging cyber threat".

Modi spoke about "digital arrest" in his "Mann ki Baat" rio dress, noting that it has hit all sections of society, as he requested people to opt mantra of "stop, think and take action" when faced with such a scam.

He said probe agencies are working with states to deal with issue but ded that awareness is essential in protecting oneself from this crime.

"Beware of digital arrest frauds. No investigative agency will ever contact you over phone or a video call for such an investigation," prime minister said. He asked people to call national cyber-security helpline number 1930 or inform police about such crimes on www.cybercrime.gov.in.

visory also spoke about or online cons like "phishing scams", in which scammers create e-mails or messages that appear legitimate, often using logos and branding from trusted organisations; " lottery and prize scams" where victims receive notifications claiming that y have won a huge amount of money and to claim prize, y are asked to pay a processing fee or taxes.

It said scammers exploit "hope and greed" to carry out lottery scams.

"Emotional manipulation scams" are perpetrated on online dating communication apps where scammers build emotional connections and n solicit money for emergencies like medical treatment and request that funds be sent via crypto currency.

"Job scams" are meant to con fresh gruates by posting about fake work listings on legitimate hiring portals or social media.

As part of "tech support scams", cyber criminals take vantage of a user's lack of technical knowledge and stealthily gain access to his computer by warning about a virus and n steal sensitive personal data.

"Investment scams" cash on a person's desire to earn quick money as y promise "unrealistic" returns via Ponzi or pyramid schemes and in "cash-on-delivery scams", criminals set up fake online stores accepting CoD orders. When product is delivered, it is eir counterfeit or completely different from what was vertised.

To con people using "fake charity appeal scams", scammers create convincing websites or social media profiles asking for donations for fake causes like disaster relief or health initiatives and use such images or stories that provoke sympathy or urgency.

"Mistaken money-transfer scams" are those in which fraudsters contact a victim via e-mail or social media, claiming that money has been mistakenly sent to his account as y use fake transaction receipts to ask person to return funds immediately to avoid legal issues.

"Phone scams" are those where victims receive calls or messages under fake name of a telecom regulatory body, saying re is an "issue" in ir service as y urgently seek one-time passwords (OTPs) and banking information for identity verification.

"Parcel scams" are like "digital arrest" where victims are informed over a call or message that y are under probe as ir drugs-len parcel has been seized and y will be arrested or may have to face legal consequences if y do not pay a fine.

As part of "loan or cards scam", fraudsters offer loans with low interest rates, coupled with quick approval, and "disappear" after victims transfers an upfront fee for securing loan.

visory suggested a host of best practices and counter-measures to stay vigilant against such crimes and not give into "pressure tactics" deployed by cyber criminals, who seek quick action by creating “a sense of urgency.”