Fraudsters who pose as police or tax authorities and make fake accusations against their victims have reportedly conned some people out of millions of rupees.
Under the false pretense of a “digital arrest,” the scammers instruct their victims to remain in one location, typically their house, and to refrain from contacting anyone.
According to Modi, no law enforcement agency would ever seek civilians for personal information over the phone or via video call, and digital arrest is not permitted in India.
“The scammers pose as law enforcement, the Central Bureau of Investigation, drug dealers, and occasionally central bank representatives,” Modi stated.
The scammers are shown on screen in a studio that looks like a federal investigation agency, tax office, or police station. They also create phony ID cards and dress in official-looking uniforms to look authentic.
Usually, scammers say that the victim’s phone has been connected to illicit activities or that they sent a package containing unlawful items like drugs. False arrest warrants and deepfake films have also been cited as components of the hoax.
The number of documented instances of so-called digital arrests is increasing.
According to Indian media, a victim was allegedly defrauded of almost 20 million rupees ($237,000; £183,000) in August, which led to the arrest of many men by Bengaluru police.
