Beware of Fake Arrest Fraud
Dear Customer,
It is to bring to your kind attention that the Commissioner of Police has reported a notable increase in digital arrest fraud in Hyderabad, with approximately 326 cases filed over the last 6 months, resulting in financial losses of around sixty-two crores. The lack of public awareness about the illegitimacy of digital arrests is a major contributing factor. In this regard, you must note the following and share it with your family, friends, and acquaintances.
Never trust unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from government agencies like CBI, RBI, DoT, TRAI, or police. Cybercriminals impersonate as Govt. Officials to steal your personal details and money. Always verify the caller’s identity through official channels before responding to any such communication. Or, better still, just cut off the suspicious call.
Scammers may falsely claim your Aadhaar, or phone number or Bank account is linked to criminal activities like narcotics or money laundering or Child Pornography or Gambling activities, etc.
Always cross-check the identity of anyone claiming to be a government official. No Law enforcement officials will pressure you to take immediate action. Do not respond to threats of fake arrest warrants or legal action, which are being circulated on WhatsApp/social media platforms.
Fraudsters may ask you to keep their threats confidential. Don’t fall for such claims. Official authorities never require such secrecy. Share any suspicious communications with your family/friends and police immediately or call Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or report in Sanchar Saathi portal (https://sancharsaathi.gov.in).
Be cautious of video calls from anyone claiming to be from law enforcement agencies (CBI, ED. Customs, etc.). These video calls are fraudulent attempts to gather personal information or coerce victims. Real authorities will never conduct investigations via video calls.
Scammers often send forged Digital arrest warrants to intimidate victims. Remember. authentic arrest warrants are served physically by law enforcement officials. Never act upon any arrest notice received through digital means like WhatsApp/email.
Legitimate government officials do not ask for immediate payments over phone calls, messages, or emails. If you receive such requests, it is a scam. Real law enforcement agencies do not accept payment to avoid arrest or legal action.
PS:: You need more proof of such clowns/buffoons ? Watch this video about the FEDEX/DTDC scam (in Tamil). Also see my next post. Share this post with all your friends.
DoT- Department of Telecom (AP and Telangana)
Note: Forward this alert to all your family, friends, and acquaintances.