The Delhi Police has sounded the alarm on a disturbing trend in cybercrime dubbed as the ‘digital house arrest’ scam. With an alarming surge of over 200 reported cases per month in the national capital, authorities are raising concerns over this sophisticated form of fraud, urging citizens to remain vigilant.
‘Digital house arrest’ involves perpetrators posing as law enforcement officials, manipulating victims into believing their bank accounts, SIM cards, or Aadhaar cards have been implicated in illegal activities. Once ensnared, victims are coerced into virtual confinement within their homes, compelled to comply with the scammers’ demands under threat of legal consequences.
Describing the elaborate scheme, a senior officer from the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that investigations focus on cases where losses exceed Rs 50 lakh.
Recalling a recent incident, an officer recounted how a victim was duped into believing he was under investigation for drug trafficking after receiving a call purportedly from the Crime Branch of Mumbai. The victim, intimidated by the callers’ authoritative demeanor, complied with instructions to remain indoors, while the scammers remotely accessed his system and drained his bank account.
These cybercriminals employ deceptive tactics, often using forged police letterheads and leveraging translation tools to communicate threats convincingly. Particularly vulnerable are elderly individuals, who are targeted for their perceived vulnerability.
In response to the escalating threat, the Delhi Police urges victims to promptly report incidents to the authorities for intervention and assistance.
