Digital fraud cases are rising at an alarming rate, with unsuspecting victims losing significant amounts of money. One recent incident involved an engineer from Haryana who lost ₹3.5 lakh to fraudsters in a “digital arrest scam.” Here’s how to act swiftly to recover your money if you fall victim to such scams.
What Happens in a Digital Arrest Scam?
Victims are tricked into transferring money, believing they are helping someone or securing their funds. The scam’s deception often leaves victims unaware of the fraud until it’s too late.
Immediate Steps to Take
- Call 1930 – National Cyber Crime Helpline: Reporting the scam promptly is crucial for stopping the transaction.
- File a Complaint Online: Use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/) to log your case.
- Visit the Nearest Police Station: Filing a police report ensures that your case is taken seriously.
- Notify Your Bank: Inform your bank to block the recipient’s account and prevent further misuse of funds.
Acting Quickly
The chances of recovering lost money are highest if the complaint is filed within 24 hours. Authorities can then coordinate with banks to freeze the fraudulent account.