The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a cautionary advisory regarding cyber criminals engaging in deceptive tactics such as ‘blackmail’ and ‘digital arrest,’ while masquerading as officers from various government agencies. This alert comes amidst a surge in complaints reported on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) regarding intimidation, extortion, and fraudulent digital detentions.
According to the MHA, these fraudsters often contact potential victims, claiming that they are either the recipients or senders of illegal parcels containing contraband items such as drugs or fake passports. In some instances, they falsely inform victims that their loved ones are involved in criminal activities or accidents, demanding monetary payments to resolve the purported case.
The Ministry highlighted that unsuspecting individuals are coerced into undergoing ‘digital arrest,’ remaining visually accessible over platforms like Skype until their demands are met. These criminals utilize studio setups resembling police stations and government offices, donning uniforms to appear authentic. Numerous victims across the country have fallen prey to these fraudulent schemes, resulting in significant financial losses. The MHA identifies this as an organized online economic crime perpetrated by cross-border syndicates.
To combat such offences, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the MHA, collaborates with various ministries, agencies, and organizations, including the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Measures such as blocking Skype IDs and providing technical assistance to law enforcement agencies are being implemented to counter these fraudulent activities. The MHA urges citizens to remain vigilant and raise awareness about these scams. In the event of encountering such fraudulent activities, individuals are advised to report incidents promptly to the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or the official website www.cybercrime.gov.in for assistance.