CBI, ED don’t nab via video calls: Advisory to curb ‘digital arrest’

The CBI, ED, police, customs, or judges do not arrest people through video calls, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) said in a public advisory issued in view of the rising cases of ‘digital arrest’ crimes in the country.

Digital arrest refers to a cybercrime technique, in which fraudsters, posing as law enforcement officials, claim the victim or their close kin have been arrested. The cyber criminal subsequently confines the person to their premises by asking them to keep their mobile phone cameras on and seek money for bail.

“Don't Panic, Stay Alert. The CBI/Police/Custom/ED/Judges DO NOT arrest you on video call,” stated the advisory issued on Saturday.

Various social media platforms had also said earlier that they were coordinating with cybersecurity agencies to provide users enhanced safety against such crimes.

The I4C urged people to report such crimes at the central helpline number 1930 or the website — www.cybercrime.gov.in.