Digital Frauds on the Rise: How to Protect Yourself from Cybercriminals

Cyber fraud is becoming one of the biggest challenges in the country, with incidents rising rapidly and many people falling victim every day. Retired individuals are particularly vulnerable, as fraudsters often target them by instilling fear or luring them with deceptive promises. One common method is the “Digital Arrest Scam,” in which criminals impersonate officials from the CBI, Police, ED, or other government bodies to intimidate victims. They threaten legal action and demand money, claiming that failure to comply will result in arrest. During video calls, they manipulate and control the victim, and money disappears immediately once transferred.

To avoid falling prey, it is crucial to remember that there is no provision for “digital arrest” under Indian law. The police will always come to your home with a proper warrant if necessary. Victims should remain calm, avoid sharing personal or banking information, disconnect suspicious calls immediately, and report incidents to the helpline at 1930. Fraudsters also use phishing emails, fake lottery or job offers, and fraudulent customer care numbers to steal money and information. Clicking on unknown links, sharing OTPs, CVVs, or ATM PINs with strangers, or ignoring basic online security precautions can put you at risk.

To stay safe, individuals should use strong passwords, enable two-step verification on apps, and install anti-virus software on all devices. If a person falls victim to cybercrime, complaints should be registered immediately on the official cybercrime portal at cybercrime.gov.in. Awareness, vigilance, and caution are the most effective defenses against digital fraud.