Twin cities report rise in digital arrest fraud cases targeting retirees

Hubballi-Dharwad police report a rise in digital arrest fraud cases, with 11 incidents in 2024. This new challenge contrasts with a decline in overall cybercrime, which dropped from 423 cases in 2023 to 184 in 2024. Fraudsters are targeting retired individuals, posing as law enforcement officials through video calls. They falsely claim victims are under digital arrest, using personal information to manipulate them into compliance. Despite the increase in digital arrest attempts, police efforts to raise awareness have helped reduce overall cybercrime. Victims lost Rs 4.7 crore to these scams, while total losses from online fraud reached Rs 33.2 crore in 2024.