NPCI Warns People about Digital Arrest Scam: Check Out What Advisory Says and How to Protect Yourself

The National Payment Corporation of India has issued an advisory to several GPay, PhonePe, and Other UPI users about the rising threat of Digital Arrest Scam. Online fraud via UPI has risen in the country and the government and national organizations are alerting people to be aware of such scams. To recall, PM Modi mentioned the Digital Arrest Scam in one of his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ episodes. Organizations like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) issue several advisories for people alerting them about Digital Arrest Scam as well as IVR Scam. Also Read: Ghosts Of WhatsApp! How GhostPairing Hijacks Accounts Without You Noticing: What Should You Do?

Digital Arrest is a scam where a person impersonates a higher government official and defrauds their victim. These scammers often use polished wording and information to grab their victim’s attention. Victims receive messages, phone calls, or text messages falsely accusing them of involving in a cyber crime or money laundering case. Also Read: WhatsApp Bans Nearly 10 Million Indian Accounts Every Month: Government Raises Concerns Over Misuse and Lack of Transparency

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The NPCI advisory has mentioned some of the Do’s and Don’t about these scams:

Do’s:

• Updated Mobile number is registered in bank records
• UPI pin is to be entered only for payments and not for receipts
• Always checks for In-app notifications from UPI Apps while doing a transaction
• Find contact details of the bank from the website only
• In case of complaints, the user should report it only to the bank or police authorities

Don’t:

• Never forward any SMS on being asked by an unknown person posing as your bank or government official
• Never share debit card credentials & UPI Pin with a third party
• Remote access / Screen sharing apps can be used by fraudsters to gain access or view your screen so avoid using such Apps while doing financial transactions
• Never post transactional details about your grievances on social media
• Avoid carrying out transactions while speaking with a third-party on-call