Understanding digital arrest scams

It is quite worrisome that in addition to offering invaluable convenience by facilitating business transactions, communication, entertainment, file transfers, and more with just a click of a mouse, the digital world has also introduced a host of troubling issues.

The troubling instances have been increasing manifold times as cyber criminals make use of the anonymity and internet’s vastness very often to swindle people’s hard earned money from the comfort of their homes.

The recent scams of digital arrests using internet and social media is a further step which is haunting the law enforcement agencies due to multiple cases coming to fore across the country. This new kind of modus operandi is a prime example of how technology can be misused as it showcases the darker side of growing popularity of the cyber world.

There is no doubt in the fact that the internet has empowered people unprecedentedly but as the proverb says, ‘With great power comes great responsibility,’ it has become imperative that the stakeholders including law implementing agencies should remain cautious while managing the benefits and risks of technological advancements.

It is good that the governments at all levels in the country are coming together to raise awareness about the digital arrest scam and find counter measures to stop this menace once and for all. In this regard, reportedly, Jammu and Kashmir Police has taken the lead by roping in Punjab Police, Himachal Police and experts from IIT Jammu to work out a workable panacea to tackle this issue adroitly.

It is pertinent to mention that Punjab Police’s Cybercrime Division has recently busted an inter-state gang involved in digital arrest cyber fraud with the arrest of two Assam-based men for their involvement in the crime. The approach by the JKP is laudable because cyber crimes are beyond the boundaries of the states and UTs, therefore collaboration between police departments of different states and the central agencies is vital in curbing this crime.

Earlier also the Punjab Police has worked out similar cases therefore it is expected that its personnel will prove to be a great help in managing things as far as the fight against this relatively new threat is concerned.

Digital arrest refers to a cyber scam where fraudsters, posing as law enforcement officials, deceive victims into believing they have committed a serious crime and must stay visible online until their demands are met, exploiting fear to extort money.