Skype has introduced real-time scam alerts on its platform to warn users against “digital arrest scams,” following a request from the Government of India. These scams involve fraudsters posing as law enforcement officials to extort money from unsuspecting victims, and they have recently become a significant concern in India.
The warning appears automatically on Skype when certain keywords related to law enforcement are detected, advising users to report suspicious messages and take precautions. Users are encouraged to report, block, and restrict incoming calls to prevent scams. Detailed instructions accompany the alert, such as how to report suspicious messages by right-clicking or long-pressing and how to limit incoming calls to contacts only, available under the app’s Privacy settings.
According to a senior government official, the platform has already removed several major fake handles impersonating organizations like the Narcotics Control Bureau, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and the Enforcement Directorate. However, they acknowledged that this measure alone may not be enough, as cybercriminals frequently create new accounts to continue scamming. Legal action has been initiated against known fraudsters, with Skype now being urged to assist by providing mobile numbers linked to these accounts.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed serious concerns regarding digital arrest scams, which have recently surged across the country. He emphasized that no Indian law enforcement agency would contact individuals over Skype for money or legal actions, and assured citizens that the government is actively working to curb this menace.
In these scams, fraudsters contact individuals with enough personal information to appear genuine. Posing as police officers or officials, they create a realistic setting, sometimes wearing fake uniforms and operating from makeshift “offices” to instill fear in their victims. The scammers falsely inform victims of their involvement in a legal case that requires immediate attention, using terms like “digital arrest” to imply detainment. Once the victim is intimidated, the scammers demand payment to “resolve” the case, leading to financial losses for many unsuspecting citizens.
The government continues to urge citizens to remain vigilant and refrain from sharing personal information or sending money to anyone claiming to be law enforcement on any digital platform. Skype’s new measures are expected to provide a crucial layer of protection, yet officials recommend users exercise caution to avoid falling prey to increasingly sophisticated digital scams.
