The digital arrest trap: Protecting the elderly from cybercriminals 

By Sunil Saxena

Cybercrime in India is evolving fast. Once it was just phishing emails, but now it’s getting more complex. Criminals are using apps like Skype and WhatsApp to trick people, especially the elderly, to part with their hard-earned money.

Recently, these criminals did the unthinkable. They put the Chairman of Vardhman Group, Mr SP Oswal, under what they called a ‘digital arrest.’ Yes, you heard that right – digital arrest.

They even faked a Supreme Court trial, impersonated the Chief Justice of India and tricked Mr Oswal into transferring ₹7 crore to their bank accounts.

The case is a new high in cybercrime in India. So far, the cyber fraudsters were impersonating law enforcement officials such as Police officers, Customs officials, Enforcement Department officials or CBI agents to browbeat and intimidate unsuspecting victims into transferring large sums of money.

But to impersonate the Chief Justice of India? The impudence of the fraudsters is beyond belief.

For most elderly who have fallen victim to the digital arrest trap, their nightmare begins with a phone call. The impostors impersonating law enforcement officers deceive the victims into believing that their bank account, SIM card, Aadhaar card, or PAN card has been used unlawfully.

To convince the victims, the fraudsters use studios modelled as police stations. They wear police uniforms and flash identity cards to convince the victims that they are being interrogated for crimes committed by them. They have also started using fake lawyers and fake courtrooms to conduct fake trials.

The impersonators spark a sense of imminent arrest in the minds of victims who are forced to remain visually available over Skype or WhatsApp video calls to the fraudsters, till their demands are met.

The only way not to fall into their trap is to know that Indian law has no such process called digital arrest. The term has been coined by cyber criminals to ensure that the victims stay under their spell and do their bidding.

Under Indian law, the arrest is a physical process. Law enforcement officials do not make Facetime, Skype or WhatsApp calls and make arrests over phone. Instead, they walk into your homes and arrest you. No police officer will tip off suspects that they are under investigation and give them an opportunity to escape.

Also, law enforcement officials will not ask you to transfer large sums of money to bank accounts. They will instead seize your bank account, and your other assets if the case so warrants. That’s how the law works.

But if you panic and start obeying cyber criminals impersonating law officers, then you are committing a blunder. That is what the cyber criminals want.

The group most vulnerable to this growing menace is the elderly, especially the ones who live alone and are not tech-savvy.   The fact that many of them have parked their lifetime savings in fixed deposits or mutual funds makes them doubly vulnerable. It is this income that the cybercriminals are after.

Tracking down such crimes often becomes challenging for the police as the siphoned money is moved around from one account to another. These accounts are opened with stolen identity. Fraudsters use stolen Aadhaar cards and PAN cards. Many a times they also trick the poor with money to provide identity proof.

 What should elders do

Now, you might wonder, ‘What if I get a call like this?’ First, don’t panic.  These criminals pretend to be police officers, customs agents, or even government officials. They claim your bank account or ID has been used in a crime and demand you transfer money to avoid jail. It’s all lies.

If you ever get such a call, here’s what to do:

Don’t engage.  The moment they say they’re from law enforcement and accuse you of a crime, hang up .

Don’t get tricked.  No real police officer will ask you to transfer money. They will never tell you in advance that you’re under investigation.

Don’t panic.  Fear is their weapon. When we’re scared, we stop thinking rationally and do things we wouldn’t normally do. That’s exactly what they’re counting on.

The best way to protect yourself is to not answer calls from unknown numbers. But if you do pick up, and they start threatening you, hang up immediately.

And if you ever feel unsure, there’s help. Call 1930, the cybercrime helpline, or report the scam at www.cybercrime.gov.in . You can even talk to a lawyer, but whatever you do, don’t follow the instructions of these cybercriminals.

Remember, you’re not alone. These criminals may be clever, but with the right knowledge, you can outsmart them. Stay safe, stay informed, and always trust your instincts.

For more information, visit Digital arrest: How cyber criminals are tapping your fears to hijack your brain.

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