A new form of cyber fraud, known as digital arrest, involves scammers convincing victims that they are under surveillance and must remain connected through a video or audio call. Victims are instructed not to reveal their situation to anyone, creating a sense of urgency and isolation.
As the rising threat of digital arrest scams continues to target vulnerable individuals, a 61-year-old senior citizen was nearly duped into losing Rs 13 lakh. However, the quick thinking of employees at the State Bank of India (SBI) AC Guards branch in Hyderabad successfully prevented the fraud in time.
According to NDTV, the senior citizen, a child specialist and long-time SBI customer, was targeted by fraudsters who claimed he was under digital arrest. Following their instructions, he visited the branch to break his fixed deposits and withdraw the money.
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When bank associate Surya Swathi noticed his nervous behavior, she immediately took him to branch manager Kumar Goud. Despite the customer’s explanation that he was planning to buy property, his vague responses raised suspicion. The staff delayed the transaction, asking the customer to return with a family member for further verification.
Over the next few days, the bank staff remained vigilant and observed the customer’s behavior. On his third visit, Swathi connected him to the national cybercrime helpline (1930), where he was informed that digital arrest was a scam. Realizing he had been targeted, the senior citizen thanked the bank staff for saving him from a financial loss.
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The staff later learned that the fraudsters had kept him on the phone during his visits to the branch, further pressuring him to act.
This incident highlights the importance of employee training and vigilance in combating new-age cyber fraud. As reported by NDTV, such proactive steps can make all the difference in protecting vulnerable individuals from falling victim to scams.
In Mann Ki Baat on October 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke about the rising cybercrime of “digital arrests.” He urged people to adopt the mantra of “stop, think and take action” when faced with such scams.
