Cyber Crime
Noida Police Sounds the Alarm on ‘Digital House Arrest’
The Noida Cyber Police has issued a detailed advisory warning citizens about a rise in “digital house arrest” scams, where cybercriminals intimidate victims using AI-generated calls, posing as officials. The police urge citizens to verify suspicious calls and report any threats to the nearest cyber cell or police station.
Noida: The Cyber Police has issued an advisory to raise public awareness about a surge in cybercrime cases, particularly those involving “digital house arrest” tactics. This advisory, spearheaded by ACP Cyber Crime Vivek Ranjan Rai and Inspector-in-Charge of the Cyber Crime Police Station Vijay Kumar, highlights the modus operandi of cybercriminals and provides crucial precautions for citizens to protect themselves from these scams.
According to the advisory, a common scam involves calls from unknown or international numbers on mobile phones or WhatsApp. The caller typically impersonates officials from the Customs Department, Narcotics Department, or CBI, claiming that the recipient’s documents were found in a suspicious package containing drugs, documents, clothing, an Aadhaar card, and a SIM card. The caller alleges that these items were used for money laundering or hawala transactions, and that the recipient’s bank accounts are under investigation.
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The term “digital house arrest” describes a scenario where cybercriminals confine victims to their homes by generating fear through audio or video calls. These criminals often pose as law enforcement officers, using AI-generated voices or video technology to intimidate victims. The caller then threatens the recipient with FIR registration and the issuance of Non-Bailable Warrants (NBW) if they do not comply with their demands.
During these calls, fraudsters share fake departmental IDs to gain the victim’s trust and instruct them to connect via Skype or WhatsApp video call. The victim is then coerced into transferring funds from their bank accounts, including fixed deposits, to the scammer’s accounts under the pretext of a legal investigation.
The advisory noted that in recent months, around ten such incidents have been reported, leading to registered FIRs and ongoing investigations. Preliminary findings suggest that these cybercriminals are operating from Jaipur, Bhilwara, and Bikaner in Rajasthan. Significant leads have been obtained from these regions, and efforts are underway to dismantle the gang involved.
The police emphasized the importance of verifying any suspicious calls, especially those received via WhatsApp or video calls, and recommended checking the caller’s number or credentials through official channels. They also cautioned against downloading apps or clicking on links sent by unknown callers and urged citizens to inform family members about such threats.
If a suspicious call claims that legal action is being taken or asks for personal or financial information, citizens should immediately report it to the nearest police station or cyber cell. In case of any threatening or suspicious WhatsApp calls, individuals are advised to contact the police helpline at 112 or the cyber helpline at 1930.
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