Digital House Crime:-Another Form Of Cyber Fraud

A 50-year old female resident of Noida, recently became a victim of a new type of cyber fraud. The woman claimed that she received an IVR call and was told that a mobile phone SIM card on her Aadhaar card had been purchased in Mumbai, which is being used for illegal ads and harassment to women. Over the call she was informed that another allegation was charged on her for money laundering related to which an FIR has also been filed, and the Supreme Court has issued a warrant.

The victim, as per the report was repeatedly told to not leave the house and to not inform anyone else. The whole act lead to a fraud of  an amount of Rs 11.11 lakh, while the victim remained ‘digitally arrested’ in her own house from morning to night.

In another case, where cyber thugs posed as police official in Faridabad of Haryana, arrested a woman ‘digitally’, for a period of more than a week, claiming the charges that her personal IDs were being used for illegal activities. She was asked to stay online on Skype and should refrain from sharing the information with any one as the matter was of national security, while keeping a watch over her throughout the period.

Similar incidents are taking place on a rampant rate in the capital region only, where over 200 cases have been reported on a monthly basis. The imposters use translation tools for communicating in proficient English and forge letterheads of the police department. Elderlies are often targeted in these matters, and it is repeatedly urged that the victims contact the police for assistance as soon as possible.

If you are a victim of cyber fraud and are not sure about the correct procedure to file a complaint or have any other doubt about the legal provisions involved, it is advised that you find a lawyer with Sharks of Law.

What is Digital House Arrest 

'Digital house arrest' are referred to the acts of cyber fraud where the impostors  who impersonate as law enforcement officers deceive their victims, by telling them their personal accounts such as their Bank accounts, SIM Card on their names or any other identity card is being used for illegal purposes.

The victim would then be restrained virtually from leaving their house, while stealing money from their accounts at the same time.

How Does a Digital House Arrest Work ?

The whole process could be explained into following steps-

• The scammers or fraudsters would impersonate officers of law, and would claim that an illegal activity has been found to br linked to the bank accounts, SIM cards, Aadhaar cards, etc. of the victim.
• Private information, through various social platforms, about the victim would be used to earn the trust of the victim and making him believe such false claims.
• The fraudster might instruct the victim to stay put at his house and to not communicate with anyone while the facts are being checked or while the investigation is going on.
• Ultimately, remote access to the victim’s device would be asked for to steal money at the end.

For legal consultation over matters related to cyber bullying or cyber fraud, you may consult sharks of law.

Measures to Protect from Cyber Fraud-

• Never share your personal details or financial information on the phone or by  unverified sources. Law enforcement agencies will not ask about such information like that.
• If claims are made about any of the issues as have been discussed above, it is advised that you immediately contact the respective agency, on whose behalf such claims have been made such as the bank, police, so as to confirm such claims.
• It is advised to never download unknown applications and to never grant remote access under pressure.
• If ever get involved in such situation, it is important that you hang up the call and immediately report to authorities and your bank. It is important that you share as much detail as possible.
• Measures related to Cybersecurity- 
• Strong Passwords: it is advised that you use unique and complex passwords for separate accounts.
• Antivirus and Anti-Malware: It is advised to keep all your devices protected with antivirus and anti-malware softwares as necessary
• It is advised to always be cautious of suspicious emails, messages, or websites asking for information.

Conclusion

Digital home arrest is another threat in the long list of cyber frauds. As has also been warned by the Cyber Cell, it is advised that you take proper precautions for matters related to cyber crime including such calls or messages as have been mentioned above. You may find a lawyer, in case you have been a victim of cases of cyber crimes. For further information, Sharks of Law could provide you with appropriate legal consultation as per the facts of the your case. 

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