cyber security

This state in India has saved $31.2 million from cyber criminals

According to Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, the police also tied up with major banks, which led to 15 nodal officers from 10 major banks joining forces with the police on a common platform to combat cybercrime Police in Haryana claimed on 9 Jan 2025 that the north Indian state is the first in the country in terms of the number of cyber crimes tackled or prevented in 2024. It has saved about $31.2 million from cyber criminals up from $8.9 mn in 2023. This amount is five times more than what was saved in 2022. Haryana’s police also successfully recovered and refunded fraudulently siphoned money to victims. In 2023, they were given back $3.8 million, which increased by November 2024 to $11 million. Smart strategies: Stronger alliance with banks The success, said the police, came as a result of learning and understanding the methods of cyber criminals and working closely with the banks. The Indian state has also increased the number of police personnel on its cyber helpline 1930 (which is a toll-free helpline number in India for reporting cyber crimes) from a workforce of 12 to 70. According to Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur, the police also tied up with major banks, which led to 15 nodal officers from 10 major banks joining forces with the police on a common platform to combat cybercrime. Cyber police have been running after the Lok Adalats to return money to the victims without going through a long judicial process. Increase in cases and arrests According to Kapur, the Haryana Police made several strides in eliminating cybercrime. In 2024, the police registered 5,511 cases of cyber fraud, more than double the 2,747 cases registered in 2023 and up from 2,165 cases in 2022. Arrests also surged, with the police arresting 5,156 cybercriminals in 2024 compared to 1,909 in 2023 and 1,078 in 2022. A notable 70 percent (3,555) of those arrested were from other states, and the police averaged 14 arrests per day. Kapur praised the efforts of the entire cyber team for their dedication and hard work in tackling the crime saying, “The work done by our cyber cell has brought us to the top in terms of blocking cyber fraud and recovering stolen funds.” Improved cyber fraud prevention Haryana Police’s efforts have also enhanced the rate at which fraudulent amounts are blocked. The rate of blocked amounts in cyber fraud cases rose from 7 percent in September 2023 to 36 percent in December 2024, making it the highest in the country. Following this, if a victim files a complaint within six hours after the fraud, then 70 percent of lost money is blocked. This is also the highest percentage within the country. Union Home Minister Amit Shah honored the Haryana police for their success in reducing cybercrime in 2024. He lauded the police’s work in running the cyber helpline DGP Kapur revealed that the police managed to close 2,83,589 bank accounts and 1,24,565 mobile numbers involved in cyber fraud.

“The WhatsApp Wedding Invitation Scam: How to Protect Yourself from Digital Fraud”

Sending wedding invitations is easier than ever. Digital invitations can easily replace traditional paper cards. However, this shift has opened doors for a dangerous trend: the WhatsApp wedding scam. Fraudsters are now using fake wedding invitations to target unsuspecting individuals, and you could be their next victim. In this article, you can get more information about fake wedding invitation scams. How the Fake Wedding Invitation Scam Works Imagine receiving a WhatsApp message from an unknown number. The sender claims to be inviting you to a wedding. The message feels genuine, with friendly language and attachments labeled as wedding cards. Without much thought, you tap on the file to see the invite. However, these attachments are not actual invitations but malicious APK files. Typically, APK or Android Package Kit files are used to install apps on Android devices. If these APK files are corrupted and you download and open them, you may unknowingly grant the scammers access to your device. The digital wedding scam feels personal and believable. Weddings are joyous occasions, and most people wouldn’t suspect foul play. Scammers exploit this trust to trick you into downloading malware. How a Fake Wedding Invitation Scam Can Lead to Financial Losses If you fall victim to this digital wedding scam, you could face financial losses in the following ways: Compromised Sensitive Banking Data: Through malware, cybercriminals can extract banking information you may have saved on your phone. This could include account numbers, card details, passwords to various financial accounts, payment details saved on browsers, and auto-fill credentials. OTP Theft: Scammers can use malware to intercept messages containing OTPs. This way, they can authorize unauthorized payments or money transfers. They can also gain access to your banking and payment apps. Exploiting Payment Apps: Malware can allow scammers to access banking and payment apps. They can use the information stored in the app to steal money from your accounts. Saved card details could be used to make fraudulent transactions. Unauthorized Subscription to Paid Services: Cybercriminals may use your compromised data to subscribe to premium services, apps, or websites. These services might charge recurring fees directly to your Credit or Debit Card. Hence, you ought to check your transaction history regularly to prevent scammers from draining your funds. Account Takeover: By hijacking your financial accounts, scammers can lock you out of your accounts and steal your money. They may also use your account to conduct fraudulent activities. Therefore, you must report this immediately and protect yourself from liabilities. Identity Theft: This digital wedding scam can also put your personal identification details at risk. Scammers can access these details saved on your phone and use them to open new accounts, apply for Credit Cards or loans, or impersonate you to commit fraud. Phishing: Malware can enable scammers to monitor your activities and create opportunities for phishing. This may include sending targeted phishing emails or messages to trick you into sharing more private information. Extortion: Fraudsters can use your data to blackmail you. They can demand ransom in exchange for not leaking sensitive photos and videos. This can lead to not only monetary losses but also emotional distress. How to Spot and Avoid the WhatsApp Wedding Scam By staying cautious, you can avoid falling victim to this fake wedding invitation scam. Here are some simple steps: Be Wary of Unknown Numbers: Be suspicious if you receive a message from a number you don’t recognize. Scammers often target random users, hoping someone will take the bait. Verify the Sender: Before downloading any file, confirm its authenticity. If it’s a wedding invitation, ask the sender directly—preferably through a call or message on another platform. Avoid Downloading APK Files: Typically, you’d receive wedding invitations in the form of images, video files, or URLs as they are convenient. Legitimate wedding invitations don’t require you to download separate apps. Use Antivirus Software: You can keep your phone secure with antivirus apps. These can detect and block malware before it causes harm. Enable Security Features: Review your phone’s permissions from time to time. Make sure your apps can’t access sensitive data without your explicit consent. How Do You Know Your Phone Has Malware? Your phone may be infected with malware if you notice the following: You notice an increased number of pop-ups and inappropriate ads. You see apps you haven’t downloaded or don’t recognize. You may not be able to uninstall unrecognized apps. You notice your phone slows down or crashes often. Your contacts may receive messages that you did not send. You may see unauthorized transactions in your account due to scammers using bank details saved on your phone to subscribe to paid services. What to Do If You’re a Victim Taking prompt action can minimize the damage against this fraud on WhatsApp: Disconnect Your Phone: You must immediately switch off Wi-Fi and mobile data to limit the hacker’s access. Change Your Passwords: Update all important accounts, especially banking, email, and social media, to prevent further misuse. Alert Your Contacts: If scammers are using your WhatsApp account to send fraudulent messages, inform your contacts not to engage. Report the Incident: Don’t let cybercriminals get away. Report the scam to authorities by dialing 1930, the National Cyber Crime portal helpline in India. You can also visit https://cybercrime.gov.in to complain. Protecting Yourself in a Digital World and Stay Vigilant As the use of digital platforms grows, scams like the WhatsApp wedding scam will only become more sophisticated. Staying informed is your best definition. *Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply. The information provided in this article is generic and for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for specific advice in your circumstances.

TGCSB organizes Cyber Awareness Day to tackle digital frauds

Telangana Cyber Security Bureau Launches ‘Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas’ to Combat Scams The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) started the New Year with a special initiative called ‘Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas’. On 08/01/2025, the bureau held 394 meetings and 23 awareness rallies across the state. These events aimed to educate people about the risks of digital arrest scams, reaching 35,700 participants from all walks of life. The campaign focuses on teaching citizens about emerging cyber threats and promoting public safety online. It emphasizes the importance of practicing good cyber hygiene, being cautious while using the internet, and understanding the dangers of sharing personal or financial details with strangers. Throughout January, TGCSB will continue its mission to spread awareness about digital arrest scams. This will include organizing workshops, community outreach programs, and additional rallies to educate more people. These scams involve fraudsters pretending to be law enforcement officials. They claim that the victim is under investigation or has an outstanding arrest warrant and demand payments through RTGS or NEFT to avoid immediate arrest. Scammers often use fake documents, spoofed caller IDs, or video calls to make their claims appear legitimate. The bureau has issued a reminder to the public: no police officer or law enforcement agency will conduct investigations over phone or video calls, or demand money transfers for any reason. Genuine officers do not ask for payments to cancel warrants or settle cases. In its advisory, TGCSB urged citizens to stay alert and avoid falling prey to such scams. “Be skeptical of any calls, messages, or emails claiming to be from law enforcement or government agencies that request immediate payment or sensitive information,” the bureau advised. By staying informed and cautious, people can protect themselves from these fraudulent schemes.

Cyber-crime police station issues advisory over fraudulent websites offering online booking during Maha Kumbh

The Mahakumbh is set to be held in Prayagraj starting January 13 and will continue till February 26. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and even abroad are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela. THE CYBER CRIME police station in Pimpri Chinchwad has issued an advisory, cautioning residents about fraudulent websites swindling people on the pretext of online booking for stay and passes or seeking donations for events. The Mahakumbh is set to be held in Prayagraj starting January 13 and will continue till February 26. Lakhs of devotees from across the country and even abroad are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela. An advisory issued by the Pimpri Chinchwad police on 09/01/2025 night read, “A large number of fake websites, links, and other platforms have been created on the internet and social media to exploit the faith of the devotees who wish to visit the Mahakumbh. This has come to the attention of the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. On this background, Pimpri Chinchwad police are issuing an advisory cautioning people to beware of these scams.” The advisory further reads, “The victim can be potentially cheated in different ways. Fraudulent websites, links, and other platforms can cheat people on the pretext of collecting donations from devotees. Devotees can also be cheated on the pretext of bookings for hotels, tents, and other types of accommodations at the event.” Some of these platforms can ask devotees to download malicious files and gain access to the users’ devices, officials said. The advisory further reads, “Devotees should not click on any questionable websites or links. All the official information about the Mahakumbh can be obtained from kumbh.gov.in which is the official website of the event. Do not share sensitive financial information, or passwords with the callers or platforms. Approach the cybercrime helpline or nearest police station in case of suspicion of cheating.” Officials said that cyber dost, which is the official platform of the I4C, has shared names of authorized locations for stays, hotels, and guest houses for Kumbh. When contacted, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) for Pimpri Chinchwad Sandeep Doiphode said, “We have not yet reported any cases of cheating related to Mahakumbh. However, based on observation from Central entities, we have issued the advisory cautioning people as a large number of devotees from here may visit the event.”

Cyber Fraud Victim Wins: Supreme Court Directs SBI to Repay Stolen Funds

The Supreme Court has upheld justice for a cyber fraud victim, directing the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 94,000 stolen during an online scam. The judgment highlights the bank’s accountability and failure to act promptly despite receiving timely fraud reports. In a landmark judgment, the Supreme Court of India directed the State Bank of India (SBI) to refund Rs 94,000 to a victim of cyber fraud from Assam. The case has brought into sharp focus the responsibilities of financial institutions in safeguarding their customers’ funds against fraudulent activities. The Incident The cyber fraud occurred when the victim attempted to return a Louis Philippe blazer worth Rs 4,000. Posing as a customer service representative, the fraudster tricked the victim into installing a malicious app, leading to the theft of Rs 94,204 from his SBI savings account. The stolen money was transferred across multiple bank accounts via UPI transactions. The root of the issue lay in a 2021 data breach on Louis Philippe’s website, which compromised sensitive customer details, including the victim’s contact information. Exploiting this data, the fraudster carried out the scam, leaving the victim with a blazer he no longer wanted and an empty bank account. Legal Battle After discovering the fraudulent transactions, the victim immediately contacted SBI to block his account and card. He also filed complaints with the Assam Police, the RBI Banking Ombudsman, and the Ministry of Home Affairs through its National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. However, he faced resistance from SBI, which refused to take responsibility, citing the use of Google Pay—a third-party app not recommended by the bank. Unyielding, the victim pursued legal remedies through the Gauhati High Court, which found SBI at fault for not taking timely action despite being informed within hours of the scam. The High Court ordered the bank to refund the full amount. Supreme Court Verdict SBI escalated the matter to the Supreme Court, challenging the High Court’s decision. However, the apex court upheld the previous judgment, emphasizing that the bank, equipped with advanced technology, failed to act promptly to prevent the fraud. The Supreme Court ordered SBI to refund the stolen amount and recover it from the fraudster, who had been apprehended by the Assam Police. The court also highlighted the importance of vigilance by both banks and customers. While banks must utilize their technological resources to detect and prevent cyber fraud, customers are advised to exercise caution when sharing sensitive information or using third-party payment apps. Key Observations SBI was informed of the fraud within hours but failed to take corrective action, such as lodging a chargeback request or initiating investigations. The bank’s argument, citing Google Pay’s third-party status, was rejected by the court, which held SBI accountable for protecting its customers’ interests. The judgment serves as a precedent, reinforcing the accountability of banks in cyber fraud cases and emphasizing timely action to mitigate losses. Conclusion This case underscores the increasing prevalence of cyber fraud and the need for both banks and customers to remain vigilant. The Supreme Court’s ruling has not only delivered justice to the victim but also set a benchmark for addressing cybercrime-related financial disputes, ensuring that victims are not left to bear the brunt of such crimes.

Mahakumbh 2025: Cyber fraudsters dupe elderly man of Rs 1 lakh while booking tickets

Maha Kumbh 2025: With over 40 crore pilgrims expected to arrive in Prayagraj, the authorities have extensive preparations for the mega-religious event. The Maha Kumbh will be held here in Prayagraj between January 13 and February 26. The Mumbai police have registered a case against an unidentified person for allegedly duping a senior citizen to the tune of Rs 1 lakh on the pretext of booking a flight ticket to Prayagraj for the upcoming Maha Kumbha Mela, an official said on 07-01-2025. If you plan to visit the holy city Prayagraj to attend the Maha Kumbh Mela, you must stay alert for online fraudsters. An eye-opener case registered in Mumbai in which a cybercriminal targeted an elderly man. According to the Mumbai police, a case has been registered against an unidentified person for allegedly duping a senior citizen to the tune of Rs 1 lakh on the pretext of booking a flight ticket to Prayagraj for the Maha Kumbh Mela. “The senior citizen, a businessman from Andheri, wished to attend the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh. While searching for booking options online, he came across a website. He called the number mentioned there and told the person about his travel requirements,” a Versova police station official said. The fraudsters asked him to pay Rs 14,000 for the accommodation arrangements for three people. Believing the offer, the victim transferred the amount. Soon afterward, the scammers asked if the complainant wanted flight tickets from Mumbai to Prayagraj and back, he said. They quoted an additional Rs 87,000 for flight bookings. Trusting them again, the victim’s son transferred the money online. However, they did not give the flight tickets to the victims, he said. Realizing that they had been duped, the complainant approached the police and filed a complaint. The police have registered a case against unidentified persons and are investigating the matter, an official added. The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 will begin on January 13 and is set to conclude on February 26.

“Gmail’s Holiday Scam Defense: How AI is Keeping Your Inbox Safe”

As the holiday season kicks into full gear, so does a rising wave of email scams. Scammers seize this time of year, using deceptive tactics to trick people into giving away sensitive information or money. Whether it’s fake invoices, celebrity endorsements, or malicious threats, these fraudulent emails are everywhere. If you’re a Gmail user, you’re in luck. Google has ramped up its defenses, fighting back with new, innovative AI technology designed to protect billions of inboxes—especially during this high-risk season. Here’s a look at how Gmail is stepping up its game to combat these scams and what you can do to stay safe in your inbox. Scammers Go into Overdrive This Holiday Season Every year, as the holiday season approaches, email scammers go into overdrive. With billions of emails exchanged daily, especially during sales events like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, the sheer volume of email traffic presents a perfect storm for scammers to launch their attacks. Since mid-November, we’ve seen a massive uptick in suspicious email activity, making it even harder to spot malicious messages. It’s no surprise that scammers are targeting holiday shoppers—whether it’s an urgent invoice, an enticing offer from a “celebrity,” or a threatening message to extort money. The holidays make people feel hurried and vulnerable, making them easy prey for these deceitful tactics. Gmail’s Security Features: Keeping You Safe from Scams As the world’s largest email provider with over 2.5 billion users, Gmail recognizes the responsibility it has in keeping users safe. Over the years, Gmail has invested heavily in security measures to combat spam, phishing, and malware, blocking over 99.9% of these threats before they even reach your inbox. These efforts are especially crucial during the holidays, as the volume of attacks increases. Gmail has seen a 35% decrease in the number of scams reaching users’ inboxes this holiday season compared to last year. This improvement is largely thanks to new AI-powered features rolled out over the past year, which have made Gmail’s defenses stronger than ever. How AI is Transforming Gmail’s Defense Against Scams AI is at the heart of Gmail’s defense against scams, leveraging advanced models to protect users from a wide variety of threats. One such model is a large language model (LLM) that’s been trained to recognize the subtle patterns of phishing, malware, and spam. This AI has made a huge difference, blocking 20% more spam than ever before and reviewing 1,000 times more user-reported spam each day. This means fewer unwanted and potentially dangerous emails slip through the cracks. Additionally, a newly introduced AI model acts like a “supervisor” to help filter out risky messages. By instantly evaluating hundreds of threat signals when a suspicious message is flagged, it deploys protections in the blink of an eye, ensuring quicker and more effective detection of potential scams. Top Scams to Watch Out for This Holiday Season While Gmail’s defenses are stronger than ever, users need to stay vigilant. Scammers are always adapting and trying new tactics. Here are the top three email scams that are making waves this holiday season: Invoice Scams Scammers send fake invoices claiming that you owe money for a product or service. These emails often ask for urgent action, and scammers may even go as far as to convince victims to call and dispute the charges, using that connection to further trick them into making payments. Celebrity Scams Many scams this year feature celebrity names—whether pretending the email is from the celebrity themselves or claiming they endorse a product or service. The goal is to exploit the trust people have in famous personalities to convince them to act on fraudulent offers. Extortion Scams These vicious scams involve threats, such as emails with personal information (like your home address or even a picture of your house). Some of these emails include threats of harm or blackmail, demanding money in exchange for keeping supposedly acquired personal material secret. 4 Simple Tips to Stay Safe This Holiday Season While Gmail’s defenses are incredibly effective, scammers are always evolving. It’s just as important for you to be cautious when handling emails. Here are four simple tips to stay safe: Slow it Down Scams often create a sense of urgency with phrases like “immediate action required” or “deactivate now.” Take a deep breath and think through the message before you act. Spot Check Double-check the details. Does the email make sense? Validate the sender’s email address to ensure it’s legitimate. Scammers often use addresses that seem close to real ones but have small discrepancies. Stop! Don’t Send Legitimate companies or people will never demand immediate payment or personal information through email. If you’re unsure, don’t respond—just delete the message. Report Suspicious Emails If you spot a suspicious email, report it as spam or phishing in Gmail. Doing so not only helps protect you, but it also helps Gmail improve its security defenses for all users. Conclusion: Stay Safe and Secure with Gmail The holiday season may bring festive cheer, but it also brings an uptick in malicious email activity. Gmail’s new AI technology is designed to fight back against these threats, blocking millions of harmful emails before they reach your inbox. However, staying vigilant and following basic email security tips can further ensure that you don’t fall victim to scams. By working together—whether it’s Gmail’s powerful defenses or your awareness—you can keep your inbox secure this holiday season and beyond. Stay safe, stay informed, and report any suspicious emails to help keep the digital world safer for everyone.

Chinese Hackers Double Cyber-Attacks on Taiwan

Taiwanese government networks experienced a daily average of 2.4 million cyber-attacks in 2024, most of which were attributed to Chinese state-backed hackers. This represents double the daily average from 2023 which saw 1.2 million daily attacks targeting government networks, Taiwan’s National Security Bureau said in a new report. “Although many of those attacks have been effectively detected and blocked, the growing numbers of attacks pinpoint the increasingly severe nature of China’s hacking activities,” the Bureau warned. The report also highlighted a substantial rise in People’s Republic of China (PRC) cyber-attacks targeting critical industries in Taiwan. These include telecommunications (650% increase), transportation (70%), and defined supply chain (57%). Security researchers have also observed significant Chinese cyber activity in Taiwan over recent years amid rising geopolitical tensions around the Island territory’s self-governing status. How Chinese Hackers Target Taiwan The report highlighted a range of techniques employed by People’s Republic of China (PRC) hackers and noted that attacks against Taiwanese government agencies are typically designed to steal confidential data. The Bureau said the People’s Republic of China (PRC) hackers often exploit vulnerabilities in Netcom devices and utilize evasion techniques such as living off the land. Social engineering techniques have also been deployed which target the emails of Taiwanese civil servants for espionage purposes. China uses a range of tactics to infiltrate and compromise Taiwan’s critical infrastructure systems, such as highways and ports, to disrupt the Island’s transportation and logistics. Other cyber tactics include phishing attacks, compromise of zero-day vulnerabilities, and use of Trojans and backdoors. Additionally, DDoS attacks are used to “harass” and “intimidate” Taiwan when carried out in the Island’s transportation and financial sectors. At the same time, China conducts military drills in the area, the Bureau noted. Other commonly observed Chinese attacks against Taiwanese targets include: Ransomware and other cybercrime techniques against manufacturing companies Theft of information about patented technologies developed by start-ups Stealing personal data of Taiwanese nationals and selling that information on the dark web The Bureau said the hack and leak of Taiwanese citizens’ data helps generate profits and are also designed to undermine the credibility of the Taiwanese government. “China has continued to intensify its cyber-attacks against Taiwan. By applying diverse hacking techniques, China has conducted reconnaissance, set cyber ambushes, and stolen data through hacking operations targeting Taiwan’s government, critical infrastructure, and key private enterprises,” the Bureau wrote. The report also highlighted the success of Taiwan’s joint security defines a mechanism for ensuring that threat information is shared in real-time among intelligence sources and government agencies.

BSF Inspector duped of over Rs 70 Lakh after making ‘digital arrest’ in Gwalior

Bhopal: A Border Security Force (BSF) official in Gwalior was held in the longest digital arrest for 32 days before his son came to his rescue. The victim identified as Absar Ahmed, posted as an inspector in the BSF Training Centre, Tekanpur, was under digital arrest from December 2, 2024, and was duped of Rs 71.25 lakh in 34 transactions during the period, police said. “We have received the complaint regarding the digital arrest of a BSF official. The crime branch has registered a case and the probe is on,” Gwalior district superintendent of police (SP) Dharamveer Singh said. According to the police, the BSF official, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, had received a WhatsApp call at 11.29 am on December 2, 2024. The identified Mumbai cyber and crime branch officer told the victim that an arrest warrant had been issued against him and his family members in connection with a money laundering case. The BSF official was told that he was being interrogated virtually and he and his family members would be arrested if he informed other people. He was asked to transfer money to particular accounts as part of the probe and the money would be returned if he was found innocent. Under psychological pressure, Ahmed sold his flat in Delhi exhausted all his savings, and transferred Rs 71.25 lakh to the accounts mentioned. His son rushed to Gwalior on January 2 after learning about it and asked him to file a police complaint.

Youtuber Ankush Bahuguna shares 40-hour digital arrest scam ordeal urges vigilance

January 6, 2025: Popular content creator Ankush Bahuguna recently revealed a harrowing 40-hour ordeal in which he was held in a “digital arrest” by cybercriminals. In a deeply emotional video shared on Instagram, Ankush recounted how scammers isolated him from friends and family, coerced him into performing suspicious financial transactions, and manipulated him through fear and threats. The ordeal began with a seemingly harmless automated call about a suspicious package linked to his name. Following instructions, he pressed a button for customer support, unknowingly falling into an elaborate scam trap. A fake official on the call claimed the package contained illegal substances bound for China and an arrest warrant had been issued in his name. Isolation and Manipulation Panicked, Ankush was connected to someone posing as a law enforcement officer. This person accused him of money laundering, drug trafficking, and being involved in serious crimes. He was then placed under so-called “self-custody,” isolating him entirely from the outside world. For 40 hours, Ankush was kept on a continuous video call, and forbidden from answering messages, picking up calls, or contacting anyone. Under duress, he was forced to share sensitive information, perform bank transactions, and follow every instruction the scammers gave. “I was crying and begging, but they kept me on the call. They convinced me my career would be destroyed, my family was in danger, and I would face abuse if I didn’t comply,” Ankush shared, visibly shaken. Friends and Family Intervene Ankush’s family and friends grew suspicious of his erratic behavior throughout the ordeal. His sister’s persistent messages finally reached him, revealing that such “digital arrests” are a common scam. Realizing the truth, Ankush broke free from the scammers’ grip and reconnected with his family. “I’m so grateful for my friends’ instincts. If they hadn’t acted quickly, I might still be trapped in that nightmare,” he admitted. A Warning to All Ankush urged his followers to be cautious of such scams and never engage with suspicious calls or share sensitive information online. “The thing with these scams is, if you believe one lie, they tell ten more, each scarier than the last. Please be vigilant and report such incidents immediately,” he concluded. This incident highlights the growing sophistication of cyber scams and serves as a stark warning about individuals’ vulnerabilities in an increasingly digital world.