December 5, 2024: A model in Uttar Pradesh fell victim to a new form of cyber fraud known as ‘digital arrest,’ losing ₹ 99,000 in the process, police revealed on Wednesday. The victim, Shivankita Dixit, alleged that cybercriminals posed as CBI officers, threatening her with false accusations tied to human trafficking and drug-related money laundering.
According to Assistant Commissioner of Police (Lohamandi), Mayank Tiwari, the fraudsters contacted Dixit via WhatsApp video call, claiming she had received illicit funds linked to criminal activities. Under the pretence of avoiding arrest, they coerced her into transferring ₹ 99,000.
Dixit, who claims to have been crowned Femina Miss India West Bengal 2017, complied with their demands during the two-hour ordeal. It was only after consulting her family that she realized she had been scammed.
The term ‘digital arrest’ describes a growing cybercrime tactic where fraudsters impersonate officials from law enforcement or customs agencies. They use fear tactics, such as threats of arrest or allegations of illegal activity, to manipulate victims into transferring money.
An FIR has been filed, and authorities have launched an
investigation to trace the perpetrators, ACP Tiwari added. Law enforcement agencies are warning the public to stay alert and verify the authenticity of such calls, emphasizing that genuine officials would never demand money over the phone.
Tags:
#CyberCrime #DigitalArrest #CyberFraud #OnlineScams #CyberSecurity #ModelScammed #FraudAwareness #CBI #HumanTraffickingScam #Awareness
