Digital Arrest Scam: IIT Student Loses ₹4.3 Lakh – Scammer converts money into crypto
An Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi student recently fell victim to a sophisticated digital arrest scam, losing ₹4.33 lakh to cybercriminals. The incident highlights the increasing threat of online fraud and the tactics used by scammers to deceive individuals. Authorities have arrested a key suspect in connection with the case.
How the Digital Arrest Scam Unfolded
The fourth-year engineering student at IIT Delhi received a call on November 16 from someone posing as a courier service. The caller claimed a suspicious parcel in the student’s name was being shipped from Mumbai to Beijing. When the student denied any knowledge of the parcel, the caller advised him to report the issue to the police and transferred the call to a person impersonating an officer at a Mumbai Police Station.
The impersonator falsely accused the student of involvement in illegal activities and threatened arrest, claiming an arrest warrant had been issued in his name. The fraudsters, posing as police and Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials, manipulated the student into transferring ₹4.33 lakh to various bank accounts between November 16 and 18, under the pretense of proving his innocence.
Arrest and Investigation into the Digital Arrest Scam
After realizing he had been deceived, the student filed a police complaint. The investigation revealed that the scammers used a foreign number to contact the student. The police traced part of the defrauded money to a bank account and apprehended a suspect, who admitted to providing his ATM card to an accomplice. This led to the arrest of another individual.
This arrested individual confessed to receiving bank account details in exchange for money. He withdrew the funds and exchanged them for cryptocurrency through a contact. Then he sold the cryptocurrency to another individual via a messaging app, receiving payment in rupees in various bank accounts. Authorities recovered mobile phones, ATM cards, and cheque books from the arrested individual.
Protecting Yourself from Digital Arrest Scams
This incident serves as a reminder to be cautious of unsolicited calls and online interactions. Law enforcement agencies emphasize that they never demand money over the phone. Here are some tips to protect yourself from digital arrest scams:
- Be wary of unsolicited calls: Be suspicious of calls from unknown numbers or individuals claiming to be law enforcement or government officials.
- Never share personal information: Do not share personal or financial information over the phone or online.
- Verify the caller’s identity: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement official, verify their identity by contacting the relevant agency directly.
- Do not transfer money: Never transfer money to someone you do not know or trust, especially if they are pressuring you to do so.
- Report suspicious activity: If you believe you have been targeted by a digital arrest scam, report it to the police immediately.
Ongoing Efforts to Combat Digital Arrest Scams
Authorities are actively working to dismantle the networks behind these digital arrest scams and bring the perpetrators to justice. The investigation into the IIT Delhi student case is ongoing, and efforts are being made to identify and apprehend all those involved.
By staying informed and taking precautions, individuals can protect themselves from becoming victims of these sophisticated cybercrimes. Remember to be alert and cautious when receiving suspicious calls.
