The term ‘digital house arrest’ describes a scheme wherein fraudsters, posing as law enforcement officers, trick victims into believing their bank accounts, SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, or other linked cards have been illicitly used. Subsequently, they virtually confine victims to their homes and coerce them into transferring money, explained a police spokesperson.
“Digital house arrest is a significant concern nowadays. However, our specialized unit investigates cases involving cheated amounts exceeding Rs 50 lakh,” noted a senior officer from the Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) unit of Delhi Police.
These ‘cyber thugs’ possess technical expertise, adept at convincing targets and siphoning their finances, the officer added.
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According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), cybercrime cases nearly doubled in Delhi in 2022. Figures soared from 345 in 2021 to 685 cases in 2022, as per the comprehensive crime data.
Illustrating a recent incident, an officer recounted a scenario where a man received a call claiming to be from Mumbai’s Crime Branch, alleging his involvement in drug trafficking. The caller coerced the victim into remaining indoors for interrogation, instilling fear and suspicion. The victim, under duress, was directed to download a Skype application for remote questioning, during which his bank account was compromised and drained.
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Reportedly, similar incidents are rampant in the national capital region, with over 200 cases reported monthly. Fraudsters utilize translation tools for proficient English communication and forge police department letterheads. Elderly individuals are often targeted, and victims are urged to promptly contact police helplines for assistance.
Efforts are underway to investigate and combat these fraudulent activities, with authorities urging vigilance and immediate reporting of suspicious incidents.
