Digital Arrest Scams: Unmasking Crimes of Fear and Fraud

Digital arrest scam is a fraudulent scheme in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money from victims under the threat of implicating them in criminal cases. The cyber crime trend is growing in Shimla, with millions stolen from unwary citizens. The police advise vigilance and immediate reporting.

In an alarming trend, the cyber crime police station in Shimla has reported cases where scammers impersonate law enforcement officers to extract money from unsuspecting victims through a digital arrest scam.

The fraudulent scheme involves phony calls threatening to implicate individuals in crimes, such as tax evasion and rape, under the guise of legal proceedings.

Superintendent of Police Dinesh Kumar outlined that since 2024, 12 cases have surfaced, with Rs 5.91 crore fleeced from unwary victims. Citizens are urged to report such calls and stay alert to prevent falling prey to these scams.

(With inputs from agencies.)