Mumbai Police's 'Digital Rakshak' Helpline Saves 5 Citizens From Digital Arrest Scam in 20 Days

Keeping in mind the increasing number of cyber crimes, the Mumbai Police launched new 24-hour helpline service Digital Rakshak service on April 16. One such emerging threat is the concept of a "Digital Arrest", which has recently seen a spike in cases. It provides guidance and counselling to victims of cyber fraud.

Within about 20 days of its launch, the police were able to save money of five people who were victims of digital arrest.

In these frauds, scammers impersonate officials from CBI, ED, Customs, or Police, and contact victims claiming their names are linked to cases involving drugs, illegal transactions, or forged documents. They send fake notices via WhatsApp, follow up with video calls to create fear, and demand money under the guise of a “security bond.”

In one case, a senior citizen from Chembur narrowly escaped becoming a victim of cyber fraud. The fraudster had made a WhatsApp video call posing as a CBI officer. During the call, he falsely claimed that a large amount of financial transactions have taken place from the senior citizen's bank account, which has allegedly been used for hawala business. The caller further claimed that the victim's PAN card and Aadhaar card have been used in the transaction and even threatened arrest, the official said.

To make the scam look legitimate, the fraudster also sent a fake notice on CBI "letterhead" via WhatsApp. While the call was going on, the senior citizen's daughter reached home and saw her father looking very nervous, the official said. After learning about the call, she immediately contacted the Digital Rakshak helpline at 7400086666. She shared the pictures of the notice with the cyber police, who promptly responded and confirmed that the documents were fake and the call was part of the Digital Arrest scam.

After the clarification, both the senior citizen and his daughter were relieved. Officials said there were four more such cases in which timely intervention by the Digital Rakshak helpline prevented such scams and the hard-earned money of senior citizens was protected.