The incidence of digital arrests is increasing rapidly these days. Despite warnings from central government and agencies, people are falling into the trap of hackers. Recently, the government has blocked 17,000 WhatsApp numbers in this matter. This new case of digital arrest is very shocking, in which not a common man but a student studying in IIT Bombay has been duped. This case is also scary because if a student of one of the most premium technology institutes in the country can be cheated like this, the common man will easily fall into the trap of scams.
How did the fraud happen?
A 25-year-old student studying at IIT Bombay received a call from an unknown number, in which the scammer identified himself as an official of TRAI i.e. Telecom Regulatory Authority. The scammers, identified as TRAI officials, told the student that there had been a complaint of illegal activity on his number, due to which his number would be deactivated. If he wants to keep his number active, he has to bring a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the police. Meanwhile, a hacker posing as a TRA official transferred the student’s call to a fake cybercrime branch.
In the video call, the student saw a young man in police uniform. Before the student knew anything, the scammer on the call accused him of money laundering. Asked him for his Aadhaar number and asked him to UPI Rs 29,500 to avoid arrest. Pressure mounts on the young man and he is told that he has been digitally arrested. More money is demanded in return. Also, it is said that he will not contact anyone during this period.
Fearing arrest and infamy, the young man gives his bank details to the hackers, through which Rs 7.29 lakh is transferred. After the call is disconnected, the young man searches for digital arrest on Google, only to realize that he has been duped.
How to avoid?
The phenomenon of digital arrest has become common these days. To avoid this, first of all you have to ignore the calls from any unknown number. Hackers often use deepfake videos and AI generated voices to give the impression that you are talking to the right person. In such a situation you have to keep your mind calm and there is absolutely no need to panic. Many a times, fearing defamation, people accept everything the hackers say and end up being duped big time.
Recently PM Modi has also directed to take digital arrest seriously and take strict action. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) and TRAI constantly warn people through their social media handles and SMS to avoid digital arrest. Hackers take advantage of social engineering and people’s fear to trick them. Only people’s vigilance can save them from digital arrest.
Also Read – All Redmi Note 14 Series Price Leaked Ahead Of Launch, Will Hit India On This Day