https://indianmasterminds.com

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Caught in the Cyber Trap: Noida Police’s Fight Against Digital Scams

A fake CBI officer. A chilling digital arrest. Discover how Noida Police is fighting back against cunning cybercriminals threatening lives in the city.
Indian Masterminds Stories

In the ever-evolving world of technology, cybercrime has become an insidious threat that lurks behind the screens of our everyday devices. As scams become more sophisticated, they leave a trail of unsuspecting victims in their wake. Fortunately, in Noida, IPS Shakti Mohan Avasthi, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) Crime Cell, and IPS Vivek Ranjan Rai, Additional Commissioner of Police (ACP) Cyber Crime, are leading the charge against these cybercriminals. Their relentless efforts to protect the citizens from the digital menace have garnered attention and admiration across the region.

In an exclusive conversation with Indian Masterminds, they talked about how to protect oneself from the latest ‘Digital Arrest’ scams.

A JOURNALIST’S ORDEAL: DIGITAL CUSTODY OVER SKYPE

It all began with a seemingly innocuous call. An unknown number flashed on the journalist’s mobile screen, followed by a pre-recorded message read by a stern male voice. The message was cryptic, yet intimidating: dial ‘9’ to ensure continued reception of incoming calls. As the message looped, curiosity got the better of the journalist, and he pressed ‘9’. What followed was a descent into a chilling digital nightmare.

The call was automatically transferred, and a live male voice began speaking, “Why have you called the telecom authority?” The journalist caught off guard, asked if he meant the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The response was a demand that he report to the cybercrime cell of Mumbai in Colaba within the next two hours. The problem was, he was in Delhi.

The caller, who claimed to be a CBI officer, invoked the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and threatened the journalist with a 45-day arrest. During this period, he warned, there would be no access to legal aid, family, or friends. The journalist’s mind raced as he considered the ramifications of such an accusation.

THE HARROWING EXPERIENCE OF DIGITAL ARREST

As fear took hold, the so-called CBI officer offered an alternative: a ‘Digital Arrest’. The journalist was instructed to read a text addressed to the Court into his camera, which would be sent in an audio-video format to a Judge.

Thus began his 28-hour digital captivity, where he was watched through the lens of his device. Eating, drinking, and even using the washroom required permission from the ‘officers’. His every move was scrutinized, and sleep was allowed only under their watchful eyes.

When the criminals demanded he transfer his funds to another account, doubt crept into the journalist’s mind. Was this a scam? He discreetly contacted his family, who, staying out of the camera’s view, helped him realize the horrifying truth. There is no such thing as ‘digital arrest’. It was a scam, and he was moments away from losing everything.

THE SCOURGE OF CYBER CRIME: LIVES SHATTERED

While the journalist narrowly escaped the clutches of these cybercriminals, others have not been as fortunate. A heartbreaking incident involved an elderly lady in the capital who lost 83 lakh rupees in a similar scam, falling victim to the sinister concept of ‘digital arrest’.

Dr. Pooja Goyal, a respected gynecologist in Noida, was held under ‘digital arrest’ for two harrowing days. Convinced by scammers posing as telecom officials, she transferred Rs 59.54 lakh to their accounts. A fortnight later, another doctor, Dr. Aarti Surbhit, was defrauded of Rs 45 lakh by criminals impersonating Mumbai Crime Branch officers. Her ordeal lasted over seven hours, leaving her devastated.

The tech-savvy are not immune either. An IT engineer in Noida fell prey to the same ruse, losing Rs 3.75 lakh to individuals masquerading as police officers online.

IPS SHAKTI MOHAN AVASTHI: A RAY OF HOPE

In the midst of this digital chaos, IPS Shakti Mohan Avasthi stands as a ray of hope. As the DCP of the Crime Cell in Noida, he tirelessly works to prevent such scams from claiming more victims. His message is clear and urgent: “There is nothing like a digital arrest. If someone calls saying that, they are scammers.”

Mr. Avasthi emphasizes the importance of reporting such incidents immediately. The helpline number 1930 is a lifeline for those targeted by cybercriminals, providing a platform for swift action and assistance.

Under his leadership, the Noida police have launched an extensive awareness campaign. Educational institutions, colleges, media houses, and community centers have become the battlegrounds in this fight against cybercrime.

“Through workshops, seminars, and interactive sessions, people are being educated by us on the tactics used by these digital predators and how to safeguard themselves,” he told Indian Masterminds.

IPS Shakti Mohan Awasthi

IPS VIVEK RANJAN RAI’S INSIGHTS

Mr. Rai talked about how a person should immediately call or message their family, friends, or anyone close, as soon as they doubt that they are on the verge of becoming a victim of cybercrime.

“In almost all kinds of crime, the accused gets a chance to make a phone call to someone known and inform them about their situation. If a ‘police official’ refrains you from speaking to anyone that you know and explain your ordeal, you are most probably getting trapped in a scam,” he told Indian Masterminds.

He also talked about the importance of a person being aware of important helpline numbers such as 1930 for reporting such cybercrimes.

Talking about the factors that lead to a person getting scammed, the officer shared, “These scammers usually pick and choose people from good educational and financial backgrounds, who earn well and most probably have a good amount of money in their bank accounts. They know such people are more prone to paying the sum since they already have it, and target them.”

IPS Vivek Ranjan Rai

A CALL TO VIGILANCE

The battle against cybercrime is far from over, but with IPS Shakti Mohan Avasthi and IPS Vivek Ranjan Rai at the helm, there is hope. Their dedication to protecting citizens and raising awareness serves as a reminder that in the digital age, vigilance is our strongest ally. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, so must our efforts to stay one step ahead of those who seek to exploit it.

In a world where anyone can be a target, knowledge, and awareness are the first lines of defense. Through the efforts of leaders like Mr. Avasthi and Mr. Rai, the citizens of Noida are becoming more informed and empowered, ready to stand against the cybercrime wave that threatens to engulf them.


Indian Masterminds Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Related Stories
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
NEWS
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
Devendra Kumar Tiwari Alka Tiwari  IAS Jharkhand
First IAS Couple in India to Hold Both Chief Secretary & State Election Commissioner Posts Consecutively - Know This Powerful Pair
Policing, Trust, and Investment: Insights from IPF - Indian Masterminds
Indian Police Foundation Marks 10 Years, Discussion on How Policing Builds Investor Confidence
Madhya Pradesh football training
Mini Brazil to Germany: Vicharpur’s Young Footballers Get CM Mohan Yadav’s Blessings on Vijayadashami Week
bureaucracy news
Centre Announces Key Bureaucratic Appointments & Deputation Extensions: Neeraj Surendran, Arun G, Anand Mohan Among Key Names
PM Modi CM Nitish Kumar
Bihar Receives Rs. 10,219 Crore from Centre: A Festive Gift On Vijayadashami to Fuel Development & Welfare, Backed by GST Reforms
Chhattisgarh government
Chhattisgarh CM Charts Development Roadmap: Push for Capital Expenditure, Biometric Attendance, & Transparent Governance
Vishnu Deo Sai CM
Chhattisgarh Gets Rs. 3,462 Crore Boost from Modi Government: Here's How CM Sai Pledges To Spend It!
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Ravikant Meena on IFS Preparation, Optionals, and Life in Forest Service
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
How Siddhartha Saxena Cracked UPSC CAPF AIR 326 Against All Odds
Dr. S.K
Technology Meets Ecology: IFS Dr S K Srivastava’s Game-Changing Innovations in Forest Management | Eco Warrior Awards 2025 Interview
ADVERTISEMENT
UPSC Stories
UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar Live Interaction
From Cut-off Dates to Coaching & Reforms: UPSC Chairman Ajay Kumar Assures Aspirants of Fairness, Transparency & a Future-Ready UPSC | UPSC@100
A Century of Service: The UPSC’s Landmark Year Begins. Chairman Ajay Kumar on UPSC’s Centennial: “Merit,...
Giriraj Parihar MPPSC 2024
From Constable to Deputy Collector: Giriraj Parihar’s 9-Year MPPSC Journey | Farmer’s Son, Brother to Five Sisters
From a jail guard to MPPSC 2024 Rank 8, Giriraj Parihar’s nine-year journey of self-study, hard work,...
Ankit MPPSC 2024 Rank 3
From Village Dreams to Deputy Collector’s Chair: Meet Ankit, MPPSC Rank 3 Hindi Medium Topper
Ankit, a Hindi-medium aspirant from Balaghat, secured Rank 3 in MPPSC 2024 and became Deputy Collector...
Social Media
World Rhino Day India
On World Rhino Day, IFS Officer Parveen Kaswan Shares Rare Insights - India Now Hosts 80% of the World’s One-Horned Rhinos
September 22 Marks Global Call for Rhino Conservation; India Holds 80% of World’s Greater One-Horned...
Parag Madhukar Dhakate
Relentless Rains Wreak Havoc in Dehradun: IFS officer PM Dhakate Warns Citizens Amid Flash Floods
Cloudbursts in Dehradun triggered flash floods. IFS officer Dr. PM Dhakate warned citizens to stay indoors...
Forest Guard Tiger Encounter
Tigers Clash in the Wild as Forest Guards Capture Rare Footage , Retired IFS Mohan Pargaien Posts Viral Video
Retired IFS officer Mohan Pargaien shares viral video of three tigers brawling in Ramnagar, as forest...
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Latest
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
India’s Missile Strikes on 11 Pakistani Airbases Forced Islamabad Into Panic: Ex-UK Envoy Reveals Secret Saudi Defense Pact
Devendra Kumar Tiwari Alka Tiwari  IAS Jharkhand
First IAS Couple in India to Hold Both Chief Secretary & State Election Commissioner Posts Consecutively - Know This Powerful Pair
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Videos
IFS Ravikant Meena UPSC IFS
Siddhartha Saxena UPSC CAPF
Dr. S.K
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT