Have you ever received phone calls where the caller claims that you are under arrest? If yes, this article is crucial for you. In today’s digital age, various scams are on the rise, including alarming scam calls that can lead to severe financial loss. These calls often impersonate officials, making them even more convincing. Read on to learn about the risks involved and how to protect yourself from such fraudulent tactics.
Understanding the Scam: What’s Happening?
With an increasing number of fraud cases, scam calls claiming arrest or impending legal action are proliferating as well. Scammers often pose as bank officials, CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation) officers, or representatives from the Income Tax Department to deceive unsuspecting victims. These scammers engage in professional conversation, sometimes even using video calls, to sound credible. Unfortunately, by the time the victim realizes they are being scammed, they may already have lost a significant amount of money.
The SBI Warning
Recently, the State Bank of India (SBI) issued a warning to its customers about these new fraud techniques. The bank cautioned that scammers may pose as CBI or income tax officers to intimidate customers and threaten them with fake legal actions. SBI has shared this alert across its social media platforms, encouraging customers to remain vigilant.
Fraudsters may contact you impersonating officials from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Income Tax Department. Beware of such frauds and call 1930 to report such frauds. Stay alert and #SafeWithSBI #SBI #TheBankerToEveryIndian #DigitalArrestScam pic.twitter.com/GKPTRqCTxm
— State Bank of India (@TheOfficialSBI) January 20, 2025
How Scammers Operate
Initially, scammers contact potential victims and gather personal information under the guise of being tax officials. They may ask for sensitive details, including KYC numbers, addresses, and identification information such as Aadhaar or PAN cards. Additionally, they gather information about the victim’s family, claiming there are issues with their UPI services, which is a ruse to solidify trust.
Scammers may also reference previous real estate transactions, falsely stating that the victim owes taxes on a property sale. This information can be obtained from various sources, including property websites and brokers. Once they have the victim’s trust, they’ll suggest bribery as a means to resolve the fake issues, asking the victim to transfer funds to specific bank accounts with the promise of returns after the supposed investigation is over.
How to Protect Yourself from These Scams
- Always verify the identity of the caller or sender. Do not engage with unknown callers.
- Legitimate bank or governmental officials will never request sensitive information via phone, SMS, or video calls.
- Be cautious if someone threatens you with legal action or fines.
- Report any suspicious calls or messages to your bank and local authorities immediately.
- Avoid clicking on unknown links or sharing personal information.
Conclusion
Staying informed and vigilant is your best defense against phone scams claiming false arrests or legal issues. Ensure that you know how to recognize fraudulent communication and always double-check any claims by contacting official sources directly. Protect your personal and financial information to avoid falling victim to these aggressive scams.