Cybercriminals are constantly coming up with new ways to scam people. After the infamous
"Digital Arrest" fraud, scammers have now devised another trick to extort money over the phone. Authorities like
TRAI, Police, and CBI never ask for financial or personal details over a call. If you receive such a call, do not panic and avoid sharing any sensitive information.
New Cyber Fraud Case in Kerala
A recent case in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, highlights how scammers are deceiving people by impersonating officials. Victims received messages claiming that their phone numbers were linked to illegal activities and were temporarily blocked. Shortly after, scammers called them, demanding a large sum of money to reactivate the number and avoid legal trouble.
What’s concerning is that these fraudsters pretend to be TRAI, CBI, or police officers, making the scam appear more convincing. Several individuals in Thiruvananthapuram have reported receiving such calls, falsely stating that their SIM cards have been deactivated.
How Does This Scam Work?1️⃣ Fake SIM Deactivation Alert – Victims receive a message stating that their phone number has been deactivated due to "illegal activities."
2️⃣ Threatening Phone Call – Scammers call, pretending to be government officials, and tell the victim to press "9" for further details.
3️⃣ Digital Arrest Scam – Once connected, victims are informed that they have been "digitally arrested" and must verify their bank details to avoid legal action.
4️⃣ Huge Financial Losses – Those who fall for this scam end up losing thousands or even millions.
🔴 Case Examples:
The Kerala government has taken strict measures to curb such scams. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated that a secure financial cyber ecosystem is being developed in collaboration with the Central Government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
✅ Over 30,000 fraudulent bank accounts have been blocked.
✅ Mobile numbers used in cyber fraud have been deactivated.
✔️ Government agencies like TRAI, Police, or CBI never ask for personal details over a call.
✔️ Never share your bank account details, ATM PIN, or passwords over the phone.
✔️ If you receive a threatening call, do not panic. Ignore the call and report it immediately.
✔️ Report fraud calls to the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.
✔️ File an online complaint at , available 24/7.
Cybercriminals are getting smarter, but staying informed and cautious can prevent financial loss. If you suspect a scam, report it immediately and spread awareness to protect others!
