In response to an alarming increase in “digital arrest” frauds in India, Skype has implemented live alerts on its network to safeguard users from impersonators acting as government or law enforcement personnel. The Government of India requested these alerts, which are triggered by specified terms and intended to educate and alert users to potential scams. One of the primary warnings states, “Indian legal authorities will NEVER contact you via Skype.”
The warning system is part of Skype’s larger attempt to battle scammers who pose as law enforcement personnel and extort money in the name of judicial procedures. Users may now report suspicious messages, limit incoming calls to known contacts, and disable undesirable accounts, among other new safety features added to the platform.
According to a senior government official, Skype has already taken down large false accounts mimicking authorities like as the Narcotics Control Bureau, the CBI, and the Enforcement Directorate. “Our system has compiled a list of over 100 organizations involved in fraudulent transactions, and legal action has been begun against the worst offenders,” another source told News18, adding that government officials has demanded the phone numbers associated with these phony accounts.
This action comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently warned citizens about the proliferation of digital arrest scams. He assured the public that no Indian law enforcement agency would approach individuals via social media or messaging platforms to solicit money, and urged citizens to exercise caution and verify before interacting with such messages.
Digital arrest scams are becoming an increasingly serious concern in India. Fraudsters gather personal information about their victims and impersonate officials from numerous government bodies, even using false ID cards and uniforms. The context of the call is frequently designed to resemble a professional office, adding to the scam’s believability.
These scammers generally persuade their victims that they are involved in an ongoing legal matter, pressing them to report to a police station or court promptly. The possibility of an approaching arrest shakes the victims, and at this point, the fraudster provides a “out” by requesting money to make the “case” disappear. In many cases, terrified victims give in, oblivious of the trick until it’s too late.