The Gautam Buddh Nagar Cyber Crime Police Station has issued a detailed advisory warning citizens of several scams where criminals pose as law enforcement and try to extract money in the guise of a legal investigation. According to the advisory, scammers use the ‘Digital House Arrest’ tactic to deceive people. They typically make calls from unknown or international numbers on mobile phones, including through WhatsApp, posing as law enforcement officials, from customs and narcotics departments, and even the CBI.
Explaining the modus operandi, the advisory says the scammers claim that the recipient's documents were found in a suspicious package containing drugs. Scammers generate fear by making audio or video calls, mostly posing as law enforcement officials using AI-generated voices or video technology.
According to a statement by the police, the caller alleges that the items were used for money laundering transactions and that the recipient’s bank accounts are now under investigation. The scammer is threatened with an FIR and Non-Bailable Warrants (NBW).
In order to gain the trust of the victims, the fraudster often shares fake departmental IDs. They instruct the victims to connect via Skype or WhatsApp video call during which they further intimidate victims, and restrict them from contacting family members. The statement says the victims are 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 states that 10 such incidents have been reported, leading to FIRs and an investigation. Based on preliminary findings, the fraudsters are operating from Jaipur, Bhilwara, and Bikaner in Rajasthan. The police have received significant leads from these regions, and efforts are underway to dismantle the gang involved.
Police advised individuals to be cautious of suspicious calls, particularly those received via WhatsApp or video calls. The advisory recommended checking the caller’s number or credentials through official channels and not relying on search engines like Google since cybercriminals often upload fake helpline numbers.
The advisory cautions against downloading apps or clicking on links sent by unknown callers. It urges citizens to inform family members about such threats. The advisory states that if a suspicious call claims legal action and or asks for personal or financial information, citizens should immediately report it to the nearest police station or cyber cell. It also advises people to contact the police helpline at 112 or the cyber helpline at 1930.