Scammers are using forged letters claiming to be from India’s Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to intimidate people with false allegations and demands for replies to avoid arrest warrants. These are part of a widespread “Digital Arrest Scam” where fraudsters create panic to extract personal information or money.
Official PIB Fact Check Confirms Fraud
The Press Information Bureau (PIB) has explicitly labeled these letters as fake through its #PIBFactCheck campaign, stating they are not issued by I4C or any Government of India organization. Government agencies like I4C never send arrest threats, legal notices, or demands via email, WhatsApp, or social media—official communication follows verified channels such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
How the Scam Works
Fraudsters impersonate authorities to allege serious charges, urging immediate responses or payments. This tactic preys on fear, leading victims to share sensitive details or transfer funds, resulting in identity theft or financial loss. Such scams have surged in India, with I4C reporting rising cyber fraud cases handled through its coordinated framework under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
What to Do If Targeted
- Ignore and delete the message without responding.
- Never share personal details, OTPs, or bank information.
- Avoid any money transfers demanded.
Report the incident immediately on the official portal cybercrime.gov.in for women/children-specific crimes or general fraud—provide accurate details for swift police action. Block suspicious contacts and enable two-factor authentication on accounts.
