In another case, an engineering student digitally arrested: What Can You Do in such a situation?

Recently, the alarming trend of "digital arrest" scams has surfaced across the country, with people falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. One such shocking case involves Dr. Ruchika Tandon, a doctor at SGPGIMS Hospital in Uttar Pradesh's capital, Lucknow. Cybercriminals tricked her into believing she was under a "digital arrest," and over the course of seven days, they extorted ₹2.81 crores.

This isn’t an isolated incident—such scams are becoming increasingly common, with scammers targeting vulnerable individuals by exploiting their fear and lack of awareness.

What is a Digital Arrest?

A “digital arrest” is a fabricated concept where fraudsters claim to be law enforcement officials and accuse you of serious crimes like drug trafficking, online fraud, or money laundering. They use fear tactics, fake digital evidence, and sometimes even false court proceedings to manipulate victims into complying with their demands.

In Dr. Ruchika’s case, the scammers created a web of lies, presenting false documents and pretending to be officials, ultimately convincing her to transfer the money.

Other Similar Cases

This isn’t the first time such a scam has come to light:

1. Engineering Student: In another case, an engineering student digitally arrested and was duped into believing they were digitally arrested and was mentally harassed for hours before realizing it was a scam.

2. Pune Businessman: A businessman in Pune was scammed out of a significant sum after receiving threats of a digital court proceeding.

3. Lucknow Resident: Another individual in Lucknow was targeted, accused of being involved in illegal online activities, and threatened with fake digital evidence.

Why Do People Fall for It?

Scammers are highly skilled at using fear and urgency to cloud a victim’s judgment. They claim:

• You’ve been involved in a drug or criminal case.
• A “digital court” is in session, and you’ll be convicted unless you act immediately.
• You need to pay a fine or share sensitive details to avoid arrest.

Often, they possess partial personal information, such as your name, occupation, or small details, to make their claims appear legitimate.

What Can You Do?

If you encounter such a situation, follow these steps to protect yourself:

1. Stay Calm
   Fraudsters prey on panic. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that law enforcement does not operate through digital platforms or phone calls.

2. Don’t Share Any Information
   Avoid sharing personal details, OTPs, passwords, or financial information.

3. Verify the Claims
   Ask for identification details, such as a badge number or office location. Contact your local police station to confirm the legitimacy of the caller.

4. Involve Trusted People
   Speak to your parents, family, or friends about the situation. They can help you stay grounded and avoid rash decisions.

5. Report to Authorities
   Immediately report such calls to the cybercrime division. You can file a complaint online through the government’s official cybercrime portal or visit your nearest cyber cell.

6. Switch Off Your Phone
   If you feel overwhelmed, turn off your phone, drink some water, wash your face, and take a moment to calm down.

Scammers’ Tricks Exposed

Fraudsters create elaborate but fake setups to deceive victims, including:

• Fake Digital Courts: They fabricate a courtroom scenario involving “digital police,” “digital lawyers,” and even “digital judges.”
• False Evidence: They use fake documents, screenshots, and emails to intimidate victims.
• High Pressure: They create a sense of urgency, claiming that immediate action is required to avoid arrest.

Key Lessons from Real Cases

1. Dr. Ruchika Tandon (Lucknow): Cybercriminals duped her out of ₹2.81 crores by creating a false narrative of her involvement in a drug case. They harassed her over seven days until she realized it was a scam.

2. Pune Businessman: Fell victim to scammers pretending to be police and lawyers, losing a significant amount of money to fake digital proceedings.

3. Student Case: An engineering student was manipulated into believing they had committed an online crime and mentally harassed for hours.

Stay Alert, Stay Informed

Remember, digital arrest is not real. There are no “digital courts,” and law enforcement will never demand payments or sensitive information over a phone call. If something feels suspicious, don’t hesitate to seek help from family, friends, or trusted authorities.

Fraudsters rely on fear and misinformation to trap their victims. By staying calm and informed, you can protect yourself and others from falling into these traps. Spread awareness and help expose these scams to prevent further harm. 

All the information I’ve shared here is based on what I’ve researched from the internet, combined with my own understanding of the situation. This is purely my personal advice to help you stay safe and alert in case you encounter similar scams.

The concept of "digital arrest" is a fabricated scam, and no legitimate law enforcement agency operates this way. If you ever feel unsure or suspicious, remember to seek guidance from trusted sources, talk to your family, and report any fraudulent calls to the cybercrime authorities.

My aim is to spread awareness and help others avoid falling victim to such fraudulent schemes. Stay safe, stay informed, and always trust verified information!

Stay Safe, Stay Aware!