A search for a prescribed drug led to a sexagenarian falling prey to a digital arrest and fraud amounting to Rs 77 lakh. The story dates to August of 2024, when a 62-year-old woman, Neeru, was browsing different drug stores’ websites to purchase sleeping pills, a medicine she takes every month for her neurological illness. Neeru ordered the required medicines and forgot about them until she received a call from an officer, claiming to be a Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) officer, accusing her of buying “illicit drugs”.
Neeru, a former teacher who lives alone in Delhi’s Vasant Kunj, panicked. The man, claiming to be from the NCB, said that the department was suspecting her of supplying drugs in the national capital, Delhi.
The NCB officer gave the elderly woman two options: transfer some money to verify the bank account details or face an arrest warrant. Afraid, Neetu transferred Rs 3 lakh to different bank accounts just to prove her innocence.
What Is “Digital Arrest”?
Digital Arrest is a terrifying tactic used by cybercriminals. They:
- Claim you are involved in a crime (like smuggling or money laundering).
- Demand payment to “settle the case” or “verify your identity.”
- Use fear, fake uniforms, forged documents, and video calls to add pressure.
CyberSathhi Safety Tips: Do’s and Don’ts
DO:
- Verify any caller claiming to be from police, CBI, or customs. Use official contact numbers.
- End the call if you feel pressured or scared. Take a moment to breathe.
- Report frauds immediately to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
- Educate elderly family members about such scams—they are often targeted.
DON’T:
- Don’t trust unknown links or websites for medicine or financial services.
- Don’t ever share OTPs, bank details, or transfer money under pressure.
- Don’t believe anyone who says “Keep this confidential or you’ll be arrested.” Real law enforcement never operates this way.
- Don’t assume a video call or ID badge is proof. Scammers are experts at faking authenticity.
CyberSathhi’s Mission:
At CyberSathhi.com, we aim to prevent cyber frauds through awareness, timely alerts, and expert advice. We urge everyone to stay alert, stay skeptical, and always verify.