Bengaluru residents are facing new threats from cybercriminals who are increasingly impersonated government officials to extort money under the guise of digital arrests. Bengaluru Police Commissioner B. Dayananda has issued stern warnings to the public following multiple reports of these scams, which have resulted in massive financial losses for unsuspecting victims.
The term "digital arrest" has surfaced as scammers use it to intimidate individuals over-phone calls or video calls, often claiming to represent government authorities. Dayananda clarified, "Digital arrest is not recognized in Indian law or the Constitution. Police actions are strictly governed by legal procedures, and arrests are made based on formal notices or physical detention, followed by presenting the individual before a magistrate within 24 hours."
This alarming trend came to light when the Bengaluru police reported significant financial losses incurred by victims. A notable case involved a 39-year-old software engineer duped of Rs 11.8 crore. Similarly, another case saw an 83-year-old woman fall victim to the scam, losing Rs 1.24 crore. The elderly woman, upon suspecting the legitimacy of the operation, reported the incident to the city's cyber police, leading to investigations.
At the forefront of the police response was the establishment of the 1930 helpline, aimed at offering immediate assistance to victims and providing guidance on reporting and recovering funds lost to cyber fraud. Commissioner Dayananda reiterated the importance of remaining vigilant and cautioned the public against sharing sensitive personal information, such as Aadhaar or PAN numbers, with unknown callers.
On December 6, police arrested six individuals connected to another significant cyber fraud case involving Rs 56 lakh. The accused had impersonated the Managing Director of a company, using the MD's photograph and logo as part of their approach. They contacted the company's employee, urging for an urgent transfer, claiming it was necessary as a security deposit.
"The employee attempted to contact the MD but received no response, believing the request to be genuine due to the pressing nature of the situation," explained Commissioner Dayananda. After transferring the funds, the employee later learned from the MD, who was busy at the time, the request was fraudulent, prompting immediate reporting to the Cyber, Economic, and Narcotics (CEN) Police Station.
Investigations led police to trace the funds to a bank account in Hyderabad. Upon apprehending the individual responsible, the police uncovered a network involving five other accomplices who had benefited from the scam. They all now face judicial custody as the investigation continues, with one suspect still at large.
"This incident serves as a stark reminder for people to avoid blindly trusting online communications. We cannot stress enough; police officials will never reach out for money or initiate cases online," emphasized Dayananda. The police have reiterated the need to be cautious during communications, as such trust can easily lead to financial loss.
Adding to their challenges, one notable incident involved the arrest of a Japanese man who had been conned out of Rs 35 lakh under similar circumstances. He reported receiving numerous threatening calls from alleged officials attempting to extort money, making him anxious about his situation.
Certain guidelines have been outlined to help citizens protect themselves from falling victim to these scams. It is imperative to remain vigilant, particularly when receiving unsolicited phone calls or messages requesting sensitive information or money. Always verify the identity of the caller before sharing any personal details. Authorities advise the public to never share OTPs, bank details, or other sensitive information over phone calls or messages.
People are urged to report suspected scams immediately to the appropriate authorities and their banks to minimize any potential fraud. Quick and effective communication can often prevent larger financial losses.
Alongside these measures, the police continue to investigate and tackle the rising wave of cybercrime, reminding the public to be wary of unfamiliar contacts and the potential tactics criminals utilize.
The alarming rise of cyber scams highlights the need for increased public awareness and proactive measures to protect against online fraud. Education around this topic is becoming increasingly necessary, as people need to be equipped with the knowledge to spot scams and act swiftly when confronted by fraudsters.
Around the globe, cybercriminals employ various tactics to exploit unsuspecting individuals, and within India, especially Bengaluru, the frequency of such incidents has prompted the government and law enforcement to step up their efforts to combat these threats.
Commissioner Dayananda’s warnings serve not only as advice but as urgent reminders of the importance of safeguarding personal information against cyber threats. The police's efforts to inform and protect the citizens must be met with vigilance from the public to minimize damages from these cyber scams.
