Cyber ​​fraud on the rise in 2024: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) Cyber ​​Wing, i4C, has issued a warning of a rise in ‘Digital Arrest’ scams this year (2024). According to the report, fraudsters have already stolen around Rs 2,140 crore from victims in India in the first 10 months of the year, with an average of over Rs 214 crore lost every month. These scammers impersonated officials of top Indian agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Police and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to trick people into transferring money.

International call centers related to digital arrest scams

The MHA report points to Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia, Myanmar, Vietnam, Laos and Thailand, as primary bases for these operations. Scam centers operate out of call centers, often located in Chinese-owned casinos in Cambodia, where cyber-slavery is also a concern. Although the core of the operation is abroad, about 30-40% of these fraudulent activities are traced to India, where local centers are actively involved.

Over 92,000 cases reported so far

As of January (2024), over 92,334 digital arrest scams have been reported to the MHA Cyber ​​Wing. Victims are often tricked into thinking they will face dire consequences if they don’t transfer funds immediately. In response to this, the MHA has advised anyone who suspects they may have fallen prey to these scams to report incidents directly to the i4C Cyber ​​Wing through Emergency Helpline, 1930. MHA emphasizes prompt reporting to maximize the chances of recovering stolen funds and preventing further losses.

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In a shocking revelation, India has claimed to have lost nearly Rs 120.3 million in a ‘digital arrest’ scam between January and April 2024. The news emerged from government data, which said the growing menace of crime cyber was highlighted by the prime minister. Narendra Modi during the 115th episode of Mann Ki Baat on 27 October.

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