Photo: Gerd Altmann | Pixabay
Scam calls originating from Nepal are increasingly targeting Indian citizens, leveraging official-sounding messages to mimic government alerts from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and leaving victims financially devastated. These sophisticated schemes rely on fear and urgency to exploit unsuspecting individuals, warning them of ‘digital arrests’ if they fail to follow attackers’ commands.
Victims have been receiving a call from a Nepal-based number. The voice on the other end carried the tone of an official government alert, reminiscent of COVID-19 awareness campaigns or recent digital scam warnings, reports India Today.
During the pandemic, the government issued official alerts for the public. However, this was no official communication. It was a cleverly orchestrated scam and part of a growing trend where scammers impersonate government officials.
After establishing their superiority as government officials, scammers warn recipients of dire consequences, such as phone number deactivation, unless immediate action is taken. Victims are instructed to press ‘9’ to connect with a supposed official, setting the stage for ‘digital arrests’.
Like most scams, this one also hinges on fear and the illusion of authority. Once connected, victims are introduced to scammers posing as CBI officers or other law enforcement officials. Here’s how it unfolds:
- Pressuring compliance: Victims are told to remain on video calls and warned against sharing details of interactions with family and friends.
- Extracting information: Scammers coerce individuals into revealing sensitive details such as ID proofs, banking information, and passwords.
- Financial exploitation: Under the pretence of clearing their names from fabricated charges like money laundering, victims are harassed into transferring funds.
- Use of fake authority figures: To heighten credibility, scammers impersonate public officers, judges, and even ‘Supreme Court inspectors.’
Once the money is transferred or sensitive information is shared, the scammers sever all communication, leaving victims helpless and financially drained.
The impact of these scams is staggering. Recently, a doctor in Bareilly fell victim to the ‘digital arrest’ scam where scammers posing as government officials. Similarly, a Border Security Force (BSF) inspector also fell prey to this scam, losing Rs. 71 lakh.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) blocked more than six lakh mobile numbers and 709 applications to combat this scam.
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