It was a regular day for Mumbai-based Kinjal Shah when she got an automated call that said her contact number would be deactivated within two hours. The call then guided her to follow simple steps to raise a complaint, by pressing ‘9’ to speak to the customer care executive.
She was then asked to get on a video call to give a statement for the FIR supposedly filed against her. When she asked the reason for the complaint, she was told that someone was sending illegal messages to people from her alternate number – one she never bought or used.
Kinjal eventually realised that she was being scammed by a person who was pretending to be a police officer. However, hers is just one among the various ‘virtual badge’ Skype scams reported of late, where fake police personnel or other law enforcement agency officers reach out to an unsuspecting person, claiming they are in trouble for a crime. Here’s how such scams work and what you should keep in mind.
What are some suspicious signs?
In Kinjal’s case, the scammer spent over two hours on the phone with her. It raised suspicions since any police personnel is unlikely to spend so much time on an online video call with an accused.
Further, when she offered to visit the nearest police station to file a report on the given charges, the scammer immediately told her to not do so, instead asking her to give an instant statement on a video call. The scammer also insisted on keeping the video on, asking her to pan the video to ensure nobody was around her while she gave a statement. She was also suspicious of the fact that no woman officer was involved in her interrogation.
Once she had doubts about the conversation, Kinjal started recording the conversation. The man who claimed to be a police officer also tried to initiate a ‘digital arrest’. When he asked her to share her Aadhar and PAN card details, she cut the call.
How to stay safe from fraudulent calls
Such scams have been carried out in two common ways. In the first, the scammers pose as representatives of a courier service, alleging that the package they are holding contains illegal substances. The target of the scam is then told they are an accused in the case.
In the second method, the scammers masquerade as local police, presenting a fabricated list of cases against the target.
Things to keep in mind:
1. Ask for a ‘notice’ first
If you ever get such a call, where the police demand your virtual or physical presence, you can ask for a “notice of appearance”. As per section 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), if any police officer requires the participation of any individual who is not required to be fundamentally arrested, the official can give a notice for the equivalent.
Only after the notice is served to the individual is he or she obliged to show up. Without a notice, you need not go.
2. Law enforcement agencies typically do not initiate video calls
It is not a standard practice for police officers to initiate a video call. If someone calls you in the name of any police officer or claiming to be from a police station, it is absolutely fine to not pick up the call.
3. Interrogation by a woman police officer
A woman is always interrogated in the presence of a woman police officer. If you are a woman and pick up a video call, disconnect the call immediately if there is no woman on the other side.
4. Protect personal information
Refrain from sharing personal or sensitive information during Skype calls. Be cautious about sharing details like passwords, financial information, any confidential data or making any kinds of payments.
5. Capture a screenshot or record your screen
In case you get a Skype call from a person claiming to be a police officer, capture a screenshot or record your screen, to ensure that you have enough evidence to file a complaint in case you get scammed.
6. Trust your instincts
If something feels off or too good to be true, trust your instincts and proceed with caution. Don’t be afraid to end a call or seek assistance if you have doubts.
7. Go to the nearest police station to file a complaint
If you believe you are a victim of such scams, do not hesitate to visit the nearest police station to file a complaint.