The fear of digital arrest continues! Why are these online fraud attacks continuing despite awareness?

Digital Arrest: Cases of fraud in the name of digital arrest are continuously emerging across the country. Recently, an 86-year-old retired bank manager from Pune was defrauded of approximately ₹1.3 crore.

Cases of fraud in the name of digital arrest are continuously emerging across the country. Recently, an 86-year-old retired bank manager from Pune was defrauded of approximately ₹1.3 crore. The fraudsters, posing as Mumbai police officers, spoke on a video call in uniform and showed a fake arrest warrant. They threatened to implicate him in a money laundering case and claimed to be under digital surveillance. Under an atmosphere of fear, he was forced to transfer money to multiple accounts. Later, when his family became suspicious, the matter came to light, and an investigation was initiated.

Similarly, an 84-year-old industrialist in Irinjalakuda, Thrissur, was duped of ₹5.4 crore (approximately $1.5 million) and an elderly couple in Kannur were duped of ₹1.5 crore (approximately $1.5 million). In some cases, the perpetrators posed as an enforcement agency official, while in others, they instilled fear by falsely alleging links to a terrorist case involving their Aadhaar card.

According to experts, this isn't just cybercrime, but a tactic of mental control. Fraudsters use three weapons: authority, urgency, and secrecy. When someone is told that they have an arrest warrant or are under investigation, the primary concern is to protect their reputation. Under this pressure, people often accept instructions without verification.

When suddenly threatened, the mind goes into fight-or-flight mode. In such situations, rational thinking is impaired, and the individual takes immediate action to seek relief. By displaying uniforms, official backgrounds, legal language, and fake documents over video calls, fraudsters create a realistic atmosphere. Our mind believes what it sees to be true, which is their biggest trick.

Education provides information but does not completely protect a person from emotional pressure. People with high positions or social standing are more susceptible to fear of defamation. Scammers exploit this image by linking Aadhaar or bank account information to the investigation, turning it into a personal attack.

Scammers use an interrogation-like style, speaking in a harsh tone, constantly feeling monitored, and threatening legal action if they hang up. The victim feels that leaving the call is a greater risk. The constant pressure increases mental fatigue, and ultimately, doing what they are told seems like the easier option.

Experts believe that simply being aware of such scams is not enough. People need emotional drills, such as telling themselves in a panicked state, "I will hang up and confirm with the official number." Real safety will come when people develop the habit of pausing and thinking in moments of fear.

No government agency makes arrests over video calls or asks for immediate money transfers. As soon as you feel nervous, disconnect the call, speak with your family, and verify the information through official channels.