Govt orders WhatsApp to block device IDs used in digital arrest scams: Sources

The government has ordered WhatsApp to block device IDs linked to "digital arrest" scams, following a report from Ministry of Home Affairs report flagging rising cyber fraud.

In Short

• Govt plans to identify and block malicious APKs, fake apps underway
• Scammers create new accounts, prompting device-level restrictions
• Digital arrest scams use fake police calls to extort money

The government has ordered WhatsApp to block device IDs being used in the digital arrest scam as part of a stricter crackdown on cyber fraud, sources said. The move follows a report by the Ministry of Home Affairs' cyber wing, I4C, which has recommended action against the growing threat.

The scammers frequently create new accounts to continue their operations, prompting authorities to consider device-level restrictions to curb repeat misuse. The government is also examining the possibility of introducing safety features on platforms like WhatsApp.

Officials are further stressing the need to retain data of deleted accounts for up to 180 days under the IT Rules 2021. This, they believe, will help investigative agencies access critical information during probes.

In addition, a large-scale plan is being prepared to identify and block malicious APK files and fake apps linked to such scams.

In digital arrest scams, fraudsters impersonate police or law enforcement agencies to intimidate victims and extort money. They often use platforms like WhatsApp to conduct video calls, creating a false impression of a “digital arrest” to pressure victims into transferring funds. The latest measures aim to curb these practices and strengthen user safety.

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