Digital Arrest in 2024: How Much Hyderabad, Karnataka and Other States Loses, Check Here

Digital arrest refers to a sophisticated online scam in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims.

This scam has gained notoriety in India, especially since early 2023, as it uses psychological tactics to instill fear and panic in its targets.

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Scammers usually initiate contact through phone calls, video calls or messages, impersonating officials from various law enforcement agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Control Bureau, and even the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

They falsely accuse victims of serious crimes such as drug trafficking or money laundering, claiming that their involvement resulted in “digital arrests” – a term that has no legal basis in Indian law.

As digital dependence grows, these arrests pose serious challenges to both the economy and digital freedoms. This article explores the toll that various regions in India are experiencing as a result of digital arrests and highlights the wider implications for the country’s digital landscape.

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Precautions

To combat the threat of digital arrest scams, both individuals and businesses should take proactive cybersecurity measures:

• Awareness and education: Regular training sessions on identifying phishing attempts and understanding common scam tactics can empower individuals.
• Verification Protocol: Employees are encouraged to verify any suspicious communications by contacting the relevant authorities directly through official channels.
• Strong cybersecurity practices: Implementing strong cybersecurity measures such as two-factor authentication, secure passwords, and regular updates can help protect sensitive information.
• Reporting mechanisms: Establish clear channels for reporting suspected fraud or cyber incidents within the organization.

Indian Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C)

The India Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C) is an important initiative established by the Indian government to combat cybercrime.

I4C was launched in January 2020 under the leadership of the Department of Home Affairs to provide law enforcement agencies with a coordinated framework to effectively respond to cyber threats.

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The project, with a budget of Rs 415.86 crore, has several key components, including the National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal and the National Cyber ​​Crime Threat Analysis Cell.

I4C promotes public awareness campaigns and provides citizens with resources to report cybercrime, thereby enhancing the country’s overall cybersecurity.

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Impact of digital arrests on other Indian states

The impact of digital arrest scams has been felt across multiple states in India, causing huge financial losses and mental anguish to the victims.

Karnataka reported 641 digital arrest cases in 2024, resulting in a huge loss of Rs 109 crore, while Bengaluru alone saw 480 incidents resulting in a loss of Rs 424 million.

Maharashtra has also seen an increase in such scams, with reports that victims lost around Rs 15 crore in 2024, reflecting similar tactics used by fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials.

In Uttar Pradesh, authorities have recorded more than 1,200 cases, with victims losing a total of around Rs 25 crore as fraudsters continue to exploit individuals through fear and intimidation.

Tamil Nadu has not been spared. Recent statistics show that the state has lost around Rs 30 crore to digital arrest scams this year, affecting numerous citizens who were forced to transfer funds under false pretenses.

Meanwhile, Telangana reported a loss of around Rs 20 crore from these scams. A recent case involved an elderly woman and her daughter who lost Rs 55 crore under duress by fraudsters posing as CBI officials. Hyderabad is one of the worst affected cities.

In West Bengal, authorities have uncovered more than 800 cases of online arrests, resulting in losses of over Rs 18 crore as scammers targeted vulnerable groups.

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Gujarat has also been affected, with local reports indicating that victims lost around Rs 120 million due to similar fraudulent activities. The state’s law enforcement agencies are currently working to increase public awareness to effectively combat these scams.

In Rajasthan, the situation is similar to that of other states, with losses to the tune of Rs 10 crore reported in digital arrest scams in the first half of 2024 alone.

Complaints related to digital arrests have surged in the capital Delhi, with victims reporting losses totaling around Rs 14 crore.

Delhi Police has launched an awareness campaign to educate citizens about these scams and encourage timely reporting. Additionally, around Rs 8 crore was lost to digital arrest scams in Haryana, prompting local authorities to tighten cybersecurity measures.

Finally, in Punjab, the impact is also evident, with reports of a loss of around Rs 9 crore due to digital arrest scams. The state government is actively developing strategies to increase cyber awareness among residents.

Overall, the total economic losses due to digital arrest scams in these states since the beginning of 2024 are estimated to be over Rs 500 crore.

With more than 92,000 cases reported across the country and the India Cybercrime Coordination Center (I4C) working to combat this growing threat, it is clear that comprehensive measures are needed to protect citizens and restore trust in digital interactions.

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Source: https://dinhtienhoang.edu.vn
Category: Optical Illusion