The digital age has dissolved the once clear boundaries between virtual and physical realities, creating a world where our online and offline lives intertwine. Yet, these realms operate under fundamentally different rules. In physical reality, our experiences are shaped by tangible interactions, sights, sounds, and touch governed by laws of nature and societal norms. In contrast, virtual reality is a constructed landscape of data, algorithms, and invisible surveillance, where every click, message, and transaction is monitored, stored, and analysed. Here, the illusion of privacy persists: users often believe their digital activities occur in a “private room,” shielded from prying eyes. This misconception is dangerously misleading. Unlike the physical world, where anonymity can still exist in a crowded street or a locked home, the digital sphere leaves permanent footprints, turning every action into a data point ripe for exploitation. The stakes of this divide are heightened by the pervasive surveillance embedded in digital ecosystems.
From social media platforms tracking preferences to governments monitoring communications, the notion of privacy has become archaic. Consider the analogy of a rural individual visiting a bustling city for the first time. If they are pick pocketed in a crowded market, the fault lies not with the city itself but with the individual’s unfamiliarity with urban dynamics. Similarly, in the digital realm, falling victim to cybercrime, such as the rising menace of the “digital arrest” scam, is less about the technology’s inherent flaws and more about a lack of awareness of its risks. Just as the rural visitor must learn to navigate crowded streets, digital users must cultivate mental maturity, blend of scepticism, vigilance, and literacy to thrive in an environment where nothing is truly private and everything is surveilled. Nowhere is this cognitive adaptation more urgent than in regions like Kashmir, where the psychological and societal impacts of digital exploitation are profound.
The recent surge in “digital arrest” scams where fraudsters impersonate authorities to extort money through fear and manipulation has left deep scars on the collective psyche. For instance, in a 2024 case, Srinagar’s Cyber Police uncovered a scheme where an elderly citizen was coerced into transferring Rs 21 lakh under fabricated charges of money laundering. The scammers, posing as TRAI and CBI officials, weaponized the victim’s trust in institutions, declaring their interactions a “national secret” to isolate him. Such incidents have eroded faith in digital systems, fostering a climate of fear and suspicion.
Kashmir’s Digital Trauma
Kashmiri society’s relationship with technology has undergone a profound transformation. Once seen as a tool for connectivity and progress, the digital realm is now perceived as a minefield of exploitation. Many victims report lingering anxiety, avoiding online transactions or dismissing legitimate government communications out of fear. This distrust stifles socioeconomic growth in a region already grappling with instability, as communities retreat from digital banking, e-governance, and telemedicine services. The psychological toll mirrors the aftermath of trauma, with individuals second-guessing every call and message, their digital interactions shadowed by paranoia. This crisis underscores a universal truth: surviving the digital age demands more than technical know-how. It requires mental preparedness to discern threats, question anomalies, and resist manipulation.
Just as urban dwellers learn to guard their wallets in crowded spaces, digital citizens must adopt practices like verifying unsolicited calls, using encryption tools, and recognizing phishing tactics. For Kashmir, rebuilding digital trust hinges on targeted education campaigns and grassroots cyber-security initiatives to empower vulnerable population.
In the digital age, technological advancements have revolutionised communication, commerce, and daily life. However, these innovations have also given rise to sophisticated cybercrimes, with the “digital arrest scam” emerging as a particularly insidious threat. Exploiting fear and authority, cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement or government officials to manipulate victims into financial extortion. Contrary to its name, a “digital arrest” is not a legitimate law enforcement procedure. Instead, it refers to a cybercrime tactic where fraudsters use digital platforms to falsely accuse individuals of crimes (e.g., money laundering, tax evasion) and coerce them into paying hefty fines. Perpetrators often employ video calls, voice cloning, and fabricated legal documents to create an illusion of authenticity. Victims are psychologically manipulated into staying on prolonged calls, often under surveillance, until demands are met. Cyber-security experts emphasize that no government agency conducts arrests or demands payments over unsolicited calls, making vigilance critical.
The Mechanics of Digital Arrest Scams
The “digital arrest” scam is a cybercrime tactic where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement to falsely accuse individuals of crimes (e.g., money laundering, tax evasion) and coerce payments. Perpetrators use video calls, voice cloning, and fabricated legal documents to feign authenticity. Victims are psychologically manipulated into prolonged calls, often under surveillance, until demands are met. Cyber-security experts stress that no government agency conducts arrests or demands payments over unsolicited calls.
How it Operates?
- Impersonation: Criminals pose as officials (CBI, TRAI, police) using spoofed numbers and official-looking logos.
- False Accusations: Victims are accused of serious crimes with fabricated evidence.
- Psychological Manipulation: Threats of arrest or public humiliation instill panic. Scammers often declare the interaction a “national secret” to isolate victims.
- Surveillance & Control: Video calls monitor victims; voice cloning mimics distressed relatives.
- Monetary Extortion: Payments are demanded via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or bank transfers.
- A notorious tactic involves disabling victims’ phones under the guise of “SIM card updates,” preventing verification while scammers contact families with ransom demands.
Legal Implications of Digital Arrest Scams
The rise of digital arrest scams in India and Jammu & Kashmir has brought significant legal consequences to the forefront. Impersonating government officials, a common tactic in these scams, is a criminal offense. Whoever impersonates a public servant or any other person with intent to commit fraud or cause harm shall be punished under Section 204 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both.
Extortion, defined as using threats for financial gain, is punishable under Section 308 of the BNS with up to seven years imprisonment and a fine, or both. Those who collaborate in such crimes can be charged with conspiracy under Section 61 of the BNS, facing similar penalties. Additionally, cyber-related offenses like identity theft and fraud through impersonation fall under Sections 66C and 66D of the IT Act, respectively, each carrying a punishment of up to three years in prison, a fine, or both. These laws work together to impose strict penalties on individuals engaged in extortion, conspiracy, and cyber fraud.
Protective measures
- Strengthen Cyber Hygiene: Update passwords regularly, enable 2FA, install antivirus, and patch systems.
- Combat Phishing: Avoid suspicious links, and verify messages via official channels.
- Secure Communication: Use encrypted platforms, and never share sensitive info over calls.
- Use VPNs Wisely: Choose trusted VPNs; avoid free services that may sell data.
- Monitor Finances: Set bank alerts, review statements, and freeze accounts if fraud is detected.
- Verify Authorities: Confirm officials’ identities; law enforcement never demands payment via gift cards or Bitcoin.
- Educate Vulnerable Groups: Report cybercrimes and train families, especially elders, to recognize scams.
Conclusion
The transition from physical to digital existence is not merely technological but cognitive. The internet’s “private room” is an illusion; its walls are transparent, and its observers are countless. The digital era demands a nuanced understanding of its intersection with religion, culture, and social dynamics. Society, religious leaders, and social scholars must take a pause and reflect on the implications of digital impulsiveness, particularly in regions like Kashmir, where the rapid adoption of digital tools often outpaces the development of critical digital literacy.
The path forward lies in empowering a generation to navigate the digital world not with fear but with awareness and resilience. It is time to bridge the gap between technological advancement and societal preparedness, ensuring no community remains vulnerable to digital exploitation or loses its cultural and religious identity in the process. By fostering a balanced approach to digital engagement, we can preserve the essence of our social and religious values while embracing the opportunities of the digital age.
(Author is currently working as Assistant Professor in the University Institute of Legal Studies at Chandigarh University. Feedback: [email protected])
