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Over 6,000 Indians affected: A large scam network operating from Cambodia and Myanmar has targeted thousands of Indian citizens.
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Fake police impersonation: Scammers pose as Indian police officers, issuing fake summons and threatening victims to extort money.
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International operation: Indian agencies have tracked the scam to multiple locations in Cambodia and Myanmar.
The digital arrest scam is a sophisticated cybercrime where scammers impersonate Indian police officers to deceive and extort victims ¹. They use fake summons and threaten victims, sometimes demanding large sums of money running into crores. The scammers are based in repurposed Chinese casinos turned into call centres in Cambodia and Myanmar.
To carry out the scam, fraudsters contact victims, claiming they have committed crimes such as financial fraud, drug trafficking, or money laundering ². They then demand money from the victims, using tactics like fake sobbing noises or posing as family members to create a sense of urgency.
How to Protect Yourself:
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Be cautious of unsolicited calls: Avoid answering calls from unknown numbers, especially those claiming to be from government agencies.
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Verify information: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement officer, verify their identity by contacting the agency directly.
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Never share personal information: Avoid sharing personal details like bank account numbers or credit card information with anyone over the phone or online.
Stay informed and vigilant to avoid falling prey to this scam. Report any suspicious calls or incidents to the local police and cybercrime authorities.