What Is Digital Arrest Crime and How to Protect Yourself from it ?

Do you know the term “DIGITAL ARREST” ? The name Digital Arrest is given to the cyber crime technique where fraudsters send an SMS or make video calls to a person posing as law enforcement agency officials fraudulently claiming that the individual or his close family members have been caught by a government investigative agency in a criminal activity.

What is Digital Arrest Exactly?

Digital Arrest is a new cyber crime technique where fraudsters calls you and tried to scare about some nonsense issue that you never did. Before they calls you, they already created a room that looks like police station. After that they video calls you to scares you more through their setup.

Media Report:

As per media reports, more than 200 cases are reported in National Capital Region (NCR) alone in a month. A “Digital Arrest “ scam involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement via video calls, threating fake arrests to extort money.

Cybercrime security experts emphasize several key points about digital crime, including:

• Growing Threat: Digital crimes are increasingly prevalent, targeting individuals and organizations through methods like phishing, ransomware, and identity theft.

• Prevention Strategies: Experts advocate for proactive measures, such as regular software updates, strong password policies, and employee training on cybersecurity awareness.

• Incident Response: Organizations should have a clear incident response plan to address breaches quickly and minimize damage.

• Legal Consequences: Engaging in cybercrime can lead to severe legal repercussions, including fines and imprisonment, highlighting the importance of adhering to laws and regulations.

• Importance of Cyber Hygiene: Maintaining good cyber hygiene—such as avoiding suspicious links, regularly updating passwords, and using secure networks—is crucial in preventing digital crime.

• Collaboration and Reporting: Cooperation between businesses, law enforcement, and cybersecurity firms is vital to combat cybercrime effectively. Reporting incidents helps build a clearer picture of emerging threats.

• Education and Awareness: Continuous education about the evolving nature of cyber threats is essential for both individuals and organizations to stay protected.

Overall, cybercrime security emphasizes the importance of vigilance, education, and preparedness in the face of growing digital threats.

How does a digital arrest scam work?

A digital arrest scam typically begins when the victim receives a call or message from someone pretending to be a government official or law enforcement agent. The scammer usually claims that the victim is involved in some illegal activity, such as money laundering or tax evasion, and demands an immediate video call to “resolve” the issue.

During the call, the scammer may further intimidate the victim by displaying forged identification or court documents, pressuring them to pay a ‘penalty’ or ‘fine’ to avoid being “apprehended.”

In reality, these threats are completely fictitious. The goal is to frighten the victim into transferring money quickly or revealing sensitive personal and financial information.

Tips to avoid falling victim to digital arrest scams:

Here are some tips to help you avoid falling victim to digital arrest scams:

1. Verify Caller Identity: Always confirm the identity of anyone claiming to be a government official or law enforcement. Hang up and call the official number of the agency to verify.
2. Don’t Share Personal Information: Never provide personal or financial information over the phone or online, especially if you didn’t initiate the contact.
3. Recognize Red Flags: Be wary of aggressive tactics, threats of arrest, or demands for immediate payment. Legitimate authorities will never pressure you like this.
4. Research the Claim: If you receive a message about illegal activity, research it independently. Look for official announcements or reports related to the claim.
5. Use Secure Communication: If a conversation feels suspicious, switch to a more secure method of communication or refuse to engage.
6. Trust Your Instincts: If something feels off, trust your instincts. It’s better to err on the side of caution.
7. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about common scams and tactics used by scammers to recognize them quickly.
8. Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a potential scam, report it to your local authorities or a consumer protection agency.
9. Set Up Fraud Alerts: Consider placing fraud alerts on your credit reports to help protect against identity theft.
10. Keep Software Updated: Ensure your devices have the latest security updates and use reputable antivirus software to protect against malware.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to these scams.