Sam Alert:- Senior Citizens Beware! “Family Member Arrested” Scam is Spreading – How to Stay Safe

Imagine receiving a sudden phone call or video call from someone claiming to be a police officer or a government official. They inform you that a family member has been arrested and urgently needs money for bail. Shocked and panicked, you follow their instructions and transfer the money immediately.

🚨 Beware! This is a scam!

The "Family Member Arrested" scam is a new cyber fraud targeting elderly individuals. Fraudsters use fear and urgency to manipulate victims into transferring money. This scam is spreading rapidly, and senior citizens are the primary targets.

How Does the "Family Member Arrested" Scam Work?

Scammers pose as:
✅ Police officers, lawyers, or government officials
✅ Bank representatives or legal authorities

🔹 They contact the victim via phone or video call and claim that their loved one has been arrested for serious crimes like drug trafficking, money laundering, or fraud.
🔹 To make it more believable, they may use fake background noises of a police station or courtroom.
🔹 They pressure the victim to send money immediately for bail, legal fees, or verification charges.
🔹 The scammer may keep the victim on a video call to prevent them from verifying the claim with family members.
🔹 They often demand payment via digital transfers, UPI, or cryptocurrency, making it harder to trace.

❌ Reality: Police or government officials never demand money over the phone or through online payments.

Why Are Senior Citizens Being Targeted?

Scammers deliberately target the elderly because:
🔹 They are less tech-savvy and may not be aware of modern digital scams.
🔹 They tend to worry more about their family members' safety.
🔹 They are more likely to act quickly without verifying facts.
🔹 They may not have immediate access to confirm with family members.

How to Protect Yourself from This Scam?

🔴 Stay Calm & Verify the Facts

• If you receive such a call, do not panic.

• Ask the caller for details like case number, police station name, or officer’s identity—scammers will often hesitate.

• Call your family member or a trusted contact before taking any action.

🔴 Never Send Money Without Verification

• No police department demands bail money over a phone call or online payment.

• If someone asks for money through UPI, bank transfer, or cryptocurrency, it is a scam.

🔴 Avoid Staying on Long Video Calls

• If the scammer insists on keeping you on a long video call, hang up immediately.

• Do not share personal or financial details on such calls.

🔴 Contact the Police Immediately

• If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the local police or cybercrime helpline (📞 1930 in India).

• Block the scammer’s number and warn your family and friends.

🔴 Beware of Fake Caller IDs

• Scammers may use fake caller IDs to display "Police Station" or "Government Office" on your phone.

• Always verify by calling the official police helpline before making any payments.

What to Do If You’ve Already Transferred Money?

🚨 Act Quickly!
🔹 Contact your bank immediately and report the fraudulent transaction.
🔹 File a complaint with the Cyber Crime Helpline (1930) or visit cybercrime.gov.in.
🔹 If payment was made via UPI or a wallet, report it to the service provider (Google Pay, Paytm, PhonePe, etc.).
🔹 Inform your local police station and provide details of the scam.

Real-Life Cases of the “Family Member Arrested” Scam

📌 Case 1: In Delhi, a 68-year-old retired professor lost ₹5 lakhs after receiving a call claiming that his grandson had been arrested for “drunk driving.” The scammer posed as a police officer and demanded immediate bail money. The professor later realized it was a fraud.

📌 Case 2: A 72-year-old woman in Mumbai was tricked into transferring ₹3 lakhs after she was told that her son had been detained for a financial crime. The scammer used a fake police ID and background noise to make the call sound real.

📌 Case 3: In Bangalore, an elderly couple nearly lost ₹10 lakhs but saved themselves by calling their son directly, who confirmed that he was safe at home.

Conclusion: Stay Alert, Stay Safe!

⚠️ The "Family Member Arrested" scam is designed to create fear and panic. Scammers exploit emotions to make their victims act without thinking.

✔️ Always verify facts before sending money.
✔️ Never share personal or financial details over the phone.
✔️ Report suspicious calls to the police or cybercrime authorities.

🚨 Remember: No real police officer or government official will ever demand money over a phone call. Stay cautious, educate your loved ones, and help prevent fraud!