Cybercriminals are employing a chilling new tactic to defraud unsuspecting victims – ‘digital detention’. Masquerading as law enforcement officers, these fraudsters leverage online platforms like WhatsApp and Skype to conduct terrifyingly effective online interrogations. Victims are isolated, barred from contacting anyone, and subjected to relentless intimidation to extract money.
In one alarming case, an elderly man from Malabar Hill was targeted. He was tricked into compulsively sharing his location every few hours with an unknown individual. He then liquidated his life savings, unaware he was falling prey to a meticulously crafted scam. The fraudsters convinced him he was under ‘digital detention’ and required to share his location as part of a ‘digital bond’. He was even shown a fake ‘letter from the Supreme Court’ compelling him to surrender his assets. The elderly man tragically lost over Rs 2 crore to these cybercriminals.
Another victim, a south Mumbai resident, was forced to send selfies to his cyber captors every hour. The fraudsters claimed his Aadhaar card was linked to money laundering and he was being ‘digitally detained’. He succumbed to the pressure and paid Rs 13 lakh to ‘settle’ the false charges.
The scammers often begin by casting a wide net, contacting individuals with fabricated claims of drugs found in their packages or their personal information being misused for money laundering. They then subject victims to high-pressure interrogations, laden with threats of legal action and arrest. One victim was told his mobile number was linked to a criminal case involving a former state minister, fueling fear and vulnerability. The emotional toll on victims is immeasurable. A homemaker was reduced to tears after being subjected to verbal abuse and threats of explicit video leaks.
To further enhance their credibility, cybercriminals have gone to elaborate lengths, creating fake police station setups complete with men in uniforms and official logos. One scammer even impersonated a Supreme Court judge during a call, successfully convincing a businessman to undergo a ‘fund legalization process’ and deposit his money into an RBI account. The scam resulted in a loss of Rs 1.3 crore. Another victim, a doctor, was forced to apply for a pre-approved loan and transfer the entire amount to the fraudsters after being told she was under ‘digital detention’ and being constantly monitored via a Skype call.
Cyber investigator Ritesh Bhatia stresses the importance of vigilance in online interactions. He advises victims to ask numerous questions and scrutinize any suspicious situation. Fraudsters often become uncomfortable under scrutiny and may abruptly end the call. He highlights the irony of our heightened awareness in offline situations compared to our online complacency.
