Context:
WhatsApp informed the Supreme Court that it has banned about 9,400 accounts linked to “digital arrest” scams after coordinated inputs from government agencies, as part of efforts to curb rising cyber fraud and impersonation-based crimes.
- Digital arrest is a cyber fraud where criminals impersonate police, CBI, ED, or judiciary officials and falsely claim the victim is under investigation or arrest.
- Victims are coerced via video calls, fake documents, logos, uniforms, and psychological pressure to transfer money or share sensitive data.
- It is a form of cyber extortion and impersonation fraud, often involving social engineering techniques.
- Scammers use VoIP numbers, spoofed identities, mule bank accounts, and encrypted platforms (WhatsApp/Telegram).
- Detection uses AI/ML tools, pattern recognition, SIM binding, and tracking of suspicious accounts.
- Legal framework: IT Act, 2000, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (fraud provisions), Intermediary Guidelines Rules, 2021.
- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) under MHA coordinates national response.
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