You must have heard the name of digital arrest. This type of scam is increasing very fast. A new case has come to light from India Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay. Here Rs 7.29 lakh has been missing from the student’s account. The scammers had introduced themselves as employees of TRAI. This incident happened in July this year. Now how did this happen and how are people being defrauded under the new scam? So let’s find answers to all the questions. This scam has happened with a 25 year old youth. A call had come on his number from an unknown number. The scammer introduced himself as a TRAI official and informed the student that a complaint of illegal activities had been received on his number. The person committing fraud told that the student’s number will be deactivated, for this he will have to bring NOC certificate from the police. It was here that the scammer transferred the call to the cyber crime branch.
Young man seen in police uniform
After transferring the video call, a young man was seen in front. He was also wearing police uniform. This call starts before the victim can understand anything. The student is accused of money laundering. Also the Aadhaar number of the youth is asked. To avoid arrest, the young man immediately gave UPI Rs 29,500 to the scammers. Pressure is put on the youth and he is informed that he has been digitally arrested. In return, money is demanded from the young man.
How did the student get the information?
Also, the student is told that he cannot contact anyone during this period. That means he will have to avoid arrest for doing so. Also he cannot do any activity. After some time, the student searches Digital Arrest online and comes to know that he has been scammed. To escape, the student gives his bank details to the scammers and they themselves withdraw money from his account.
How can individuals verify the identity of someone claiming to be from a reputable agency?
Interviewer: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into a concerning trend that’s been making waves around the world—digital arrests and scams. Joining us is Dr. Anil Kumar, a cybersecurity expert who’s been studying these scams closely. Thank you for being here, Dr. Kumar.
Dr. Kumar: It’s my pleasure. Thank you for having me.
Interviewer: Let’s get straight to it. There’s a recent case from IIT Bombay where a student lost Rs 7.29 lakh due to a scam involving impersonators from TRAI. What are your initial thoughts on this incident?
Dr. Kumar: It’s a troubling reminder of how sophisticated these scams have become. Scammers targeting students and vulnerable individuals by posing as reputable organizations, such as TRAI, shows that they are getting more clever in their approaches. It’s a real concern, especially in an environment like IIT, where students are often under pressure and may not be as vigilant against such tactics.
Interviewer: Absolutely. The fact that the attackers identified themselves as TRAI employees likely built a sense of trust. Can you explain how scammers typically employ this type of deception?
Dr. Kumar: Certainly. Scammers often exploit authority figures or respected institutions to gain trust. By presenting themselves as employees of government agencies, they create a facade of legitimacy. They may use formal language, official-looking emails, or even spoofed phone numbers that appear to be from these organizations. Once they have established that trust, they can manipulate victims into providing sensitive information or making transactions.
Interviewer: What do you believe prompted the student to engage with the scammers in this case?
Dr. Kumar: In many instances, scammers play on emotional triggers such as fear or urgency. The student might have been given a story about a supposed issue with their account or impending legal action. When people feel threatened or anxious, they often take quick actions that they wouldn’t normally consider. Scammers are trained to create these scenarios that lead to hasty decisions.
Interviewer: So, what can students and the public overall do to protect themselves from such scams?
Dr. Kumar: Education is the key. First, always verify the identity of someone who claims to be from a legitimate organization. Contact the organization directly through recognized channels—don’t use contact information that the caller gives you. Additionally, be skeptical of unsolicited communications that require immediate action. Furthermore, employing security measures like two-factor authentication can help protect financial information and accounts.
Interviewer: That’s definitely useful advice. Do you think there has been enough awareness raised about digital arrests and scams in general?
Dr. Kumar: I believe there’s still a long way to go. Awareness campaigns can help, but since scammers continually adopt new strategies, the public needs continuous education. This should include not just information on how to identify scams, but also understanding the techniques and psychology behind them.
Interviewer: With technology advancing rapidly and new scam tactics emerging, do you expect this issue to worsen in the future?
Dr. Kumar: Unfortunately, yes. As technology evolves, so do the tactics that scammers use. With the rise of AI, for example, we could see even more convincing impersonations and schemes. It’s crucial for regulators, law enforcement, and cybersecurity experts to collaborate in combating these threats and providing the public with the tools they need to stay safe.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Kumar, for sharing your insights on this pressing issue. It’s critical that we continue to raise awareness and educate ourselves about these scams.
Dr. Kumar: Thank you for having me. Together, I hope we can make a more secure digital environment.
Interviewer: And to our viewers, stay vigilant and informed. An ounce of prevention can save you a lot of trouble in the world of digital interactions. Until next time, stay safe!