Akancha Srivastava Foundation

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

The Akancha Srivastava Foundation is India’s leading social impact initiative dedicated to advancing cyber safety awareness and education. Established in February 2017, this not-for-profit Section 8 organization is a trusted voice in promoting safe online practices across the nation.

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police, Emeritus)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The Foundation is committed to educating, empowering, and building bridges between the public and authorities on critical cyber safety issues. Additionally, we specialize in forensics training for law enforcement, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.

The post Instagram Recovery Scams Are Everywhere! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Gaming Chats Can Trap Children!

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 05 Oct 2026 05:31:33 +0000

Children are not just playing games online anymore.

They are chatting, joining teams, entering private groups, making “gaming friends”, sharing voice notes, exchanging IDs, and sometimes trusting complete strangers more than they should.

This is where parents need to pay attention.

A child may think they are only talking about the game. Slowly, the conversation can move to their name, age, school, class, location, daily routine, family details, photos, social media handles, phone number, or emotional problems. Many children do not understand that even a friendly player can still be a stranger.

The danger is not always obvious in the beginning. Unsafe conversations often start with praise, attention, free gaming rewards, emotional support, private jokes, secret chats, or requests to move from the game to WhatsApp, Instagram, Discord, Telegram, or video calls.

A stranger may say, “Don’t tell your parents, they won’t understand.” That one line itself is a warning sign.

Parents must stop looking only at screen time. The bigger issue is who the child is speaking to, what information is being shared, and whether the child is being pulled into private conversations outside the game.

Children must be clearly told never to share their school name, home address, phone number, photos, passwords, family details, travel plans, live location, or personal worries with gaming contacts.

They must also know that free coins, skins, rewards, tournament links, friendship requests, private chats, and emotional pressure can all be used to manipulate them.

Safety steps for parents:

Keep gaming accounts private.

Turn off open chat where possible.

Check friend lists regularly.

Teach children to use nicknames instead of real names.

Do not allow movement from game chats to private messaging apps.

Watch for secrecy, sudden emotional attachment, late-night chatting, or anger when asked about gaming friends.

Tell children they will never be punished for reporting an uncomfortable message.

Save screenshots if something goes wrong.

Block and report unsafe accounts immediately.

Gaming should be fun, competitive, and creative. It should never become a secret doorway for strangers to enter a child’s private life.

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Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

Verified news links:

The Guardian, Roblox grooming case, April 2026
A man was jailed for grooming a 14-year-old girl he met on Roblox.
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/apr/09/man-who-groomed-14-year-old-girl-he-met-on-roblox-jailed-for-28-months
Reuters, Roblox child-safety changes, April 2026
Roblox announced age-based accounts for young users amid global scrutiny over child safety.
https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/roblox-introduce-age-based-accounts-child-safety-push-2026-04-13/
Gulf News, Abu Dhabi Police warning, August 2025
Abu Dhabi Police warned parents about cybercriminals targeting child gamers through gifts and rewards.
https://gulfnews.com/world/court-crime/abu-dhabi-police-warn-of-cybercrimes-targeting-child-gamers-1.500237999

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police, Emeritus)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Gaming Chats Can Trap Children! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Beware Fake Consumer Complaint Websites!

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 28 Sep 2026 06:15:03 +0000

How often have you Googled for a help online?

When a refund is delayed, a product is defective, a parcel is not delivered, a bank transaction fails, or a company does not respond, most people quickly search online for help.

They type words like “consumer complaint number”, “refund complaint”, “customer care number”, “file complaint online”, “consumer helpline”, “bank complaint support”, or “delivery refund help”.

That is exactly where many users get trapped.

Scammers create fake consumer complaint websites, fake customer-care pages, fake grievance forms, and fake helpline numbers that look official. These pages may use government-style language, company names, logos, forms, complaint IDs, WhatsApp buttons, refund options, or “support executive” numbers to look genuine.

The user believes they are filing a complaint. In reality, they may be sharing their name, phone number, address, order details, bank information, card details, UPI ID, OTP, screenshots, or device access with a fraudster.

This fraud works because the victim is already frustrated and wants quick help. A fake support person may call and say, “Your refund is approved”, “Please verify your account”, “Share the OTP”, “Install this app”, “Open your banking app”, “Scan this QR code”, or “Pay a small processing fee”.

Please remember this clearly: a genuine refund does not require your OTP, UPI PIN, banking password, card PIN, full card details, screen-sharing access, or remote-control app access.

Do not trust a website only because it appears on Google search. Do not call random customer-care numbers found online. Do not click complaint links sent through WhatsApp, SMS, Telegram, email, or social media. Do not install apps suggested by a so-called support executive.

Always use the official company website, official app, verified customer-care number, invoice, bank card, product packaging, or official email domain. Type the website yourself. Check the URL carefully. Avoid pages with spelling mistakes, strange domains, pressure language, and urgent payment instructions.

For parents and senior citizens, this is especially important. Many frauds happen because someone is trying to solve a small problem quickly: a refund, a missed delivery, a wrong product, a failed recharge, a hotel booking issue, an airline refund, or a bank complaint.

If money has been lost, call 1930 immediately. Contact your bank. Request transaction blocking or freezing. Preserve screenshots. Save the website link, phone number, WhatsApp chat, payment receipt, UPI ID, bank account details, email, complaint ID, and transaction reference number. File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.

A real complaint should help you recover your money. It should never give criminals access to your phone, bank account, or personal data.

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Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police,Emeritus)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Beware Fake Consumer Complaint Websites! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Fake Google Play App Reviews Scams!

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 21 Sep 2026 05:50:00 +0000

Fake Google Play app review and rating job scams are spreading rapidly across India,.

They are targeting students, homemakers, job seekers, and anyone looking for easy online income. The pitch sounds harmless. “Rate apps and earn.” “Work from home.” “₹200–₹500 per task.” “No skills required.” The trap is built on trust and low effort.

Victims are contacted through WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, and job groups. The scammer claims affiliation with Google Play or a digital marketing agency “working with Google.” Screenshots of payments, fake testimonials, and polished dashboards are used to create credibility.

Once engagement starts, the scam unfolds in stages.

Step one, credibility seeding.
Victims are asked to rate or review a small number of apps. A token payment is sent to their bank or UPI account. This payment is real. Its only purpose is to remove doubt and build trust.

Step two, paid access trap.
After initial tasks, victims are told free tasks are completed. To continue earning, they must upgrade to a “paid task level.” This requires depositing money. The payment is falsely described as refundable and necessary to access higher paying review jobs. After payment, victims are shown fake dashboards or messages displaying large “earnings.” No real earnings exist.

Step three, deposit escalation.
Victims are told higher balances or faster withdrawals require additional deposits. Each payment is justified as unlocking the next level, correcting a system issue, or meeting a task threshold. The amounts increase step by step.

Step four, withdrawal denial and pressure.
When victims attempt to withdraw, they are told withdrawals are blocked due to “account verification,” “negative task rating,” or “policy violation.” Resolution always requires another payment.

Step five, exit fraud.
Once victims refuse to pay further, communication stops. The account, dashboard, and contacts disappear. All deposited money is lost.

This sequence is consistent across cases and is the defining structure of the Google Play review job scam.

This scam is dangerous because it blends job fraud with investment fraud. Victims do not realise they are laundering money or participating in coordinated fake review networks, which can later expose them to legal and financial risk.

What people must do to avoid Google Play review job scams is direct.

Google does not pay individuals to rate or review apps.
No legitimate job requires upfront payment to unlock work.
Never trust screenshots of earnings or testimonials.
Never transfer money for “tasks,” “unlocking levels,” or “account activation.”
Jobs offered only through WhatsApp or Telegram without verifiable company presence are scams.
If earnings are tied to deposits, it is fraud. Stop engagement immediately.

If money is already transferred, act immediately.

Preserve chats, payment receipts, and wallet details.
Secure your bank and UPI accounts.
Report the fraud on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Call 1930 immediately if financial loss has occurred.
Block and report the numbers and groups used for contact.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Fake Google Play App Reviews Scams! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Cybersecurity Has a New Front Line: The Customer

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 09:18:48 +0000

For years, organisations have invested heavily in protecting systems, networks, applications and data. That remains essential, but cybercrime is increasingly moving towards an easier target: the customer.

A bank may have excellent cybersecurity and still see customers lose money to impersonation scams. A hotel may secure its reservation platform, yet a guest can still be fooled by a fake booking message. A company’s email may never be compromised, but a convincing message carrying its name and branding can still deceive people.

This is why I believe the customer has become one of the most important front lines in cybersecurity.

In nearly a decade of working on cyber safety across law enforcement, financial institutions, corporations, schools and communities, I have seen one pattern repeatedly. Criminals succeed because they understand how people respond to fear, authority, urgency and trust.

Digital arrest scams in India are a clear example. Criminals impersonate police officers, investigative agencies, banks and government authorities. In many cases, there is no technical breach at all. The fraud works because the victim trusts the identity being presented.

AI is making this harder. Fraudulent communication can now be polished, personalised and highly convincing. Voices can be cloned. Images and videos can be manipulated. The old advice to simply look for poor grammar or suspicious spelling is no longer enough.

Yet customer cyber safety is still often treated as an awareness activity rather than part of serious risk management.

That needs to change.

Organisations should build cyber safety into everyday customer communication, train frontline teams on current fraud methods, use social media consistently for prevention, place clear warnings at high-risk transaction points, and repeatedly tell customers what they will never be asked to do.

They should also study fraud complaints for patterns. Every complaint offers insight into how criminals are approaching customers and where communication is failing.

This is not only a banking issue. Hotels, healthcare institutions, retailers, fintech companies and government departments are all being impersonated because criminals know that trusted names make scams more believable.

The responsibility therefore cannot stop at protecting internal infrastructure. If criminals are using an organisation’s identity to deceive its customers, that organisation has a role to play in prevention.

Cybersecurity protects the organisation.

Cyber safety must increasingly protect the people who trust it.

The post Cybersecurity Has a New Front Line: The Customer appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

DON’T POST YOUR CHILD’S TEARS!

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 14 Sep 2026 05:35:19 +0000

Don’t post your child’s tears.

A moment of crying, fear, punishment or emotional distress may feel temporary at home, but once it is uploaded, it can become part of the child’s permanent digital identity.

Parents sometimes share vulnerable moments because they find them relatable, funny or emotionally powerful. This can include tantrums, punishments, school struggles, illness, hospital visits, bedwetting, anxiety, exam failure, embarrassment, family conflict or a child being scolded.

The child may be too young to understand what is being recorded or how widely it may be shared. Even when they appear to agree, they may not fully understand that classmates, teachers, strangers or future employers could one day see the content.

Once posted, a photograph or video can be:

Downloaded or screenshotted.
• Forwarded outside the intended audience.
• Reposted on other accounts.
• Edited, mocked or turned into memes.
• Used by strangers without permission.
• Seen years later by the child’s peers.
• Stored even after the original post is deleted.

A crying child is already experiencing a difficult moment. Recording and posting that moment can add another layer of humiliation when the child later realises that others have watched it.

Children also remember how adults handled their vulnerable moments. They need privacy, reassurance and protection during emotional distress. A camera pointed at them can make them feel exposed or teach them that even deeply personal experiences may become public content.

Punishment videos are particularly harmful. Recording a child while scolding, shaming or disciplining them can publicly expose a private family matter. The video may attract judgment, cruel comments or ridicule from people who know nothing about the child’s circumstances.

Medical and emotional information also deserves protection. A post about anxiety, therapy, illness, developmental concerns or school difficulties can reveal highly personal details that the child may never have chosen to share.

Before posting anything involving your child, ask:

Is the child upset, frightened, unwell or embarrassed?
• Would I post this if the child were an adult?
• Could this affect how classmates or teachers treat them?
• Does the post reveal private medical, emotional or school information?
• Could the child feel humiliated when they see it later?
• Am I sharing this for the child’s benefit or for online attention?
• Would I be comfortable if someone posted me in the same situation?

Parents can still document family life without exposing a child’s most vulnerable moments.

Protect your child’s digital dignity:

Put the phone away when the child is crying or distressed.
• Never record punishment for social media.
• Avoid posting embarrassing stories, photographs or videos.
• Do not disclose private medical or emotional details publicly.
• Ask older children before posting content involving them.
• Respect a child who asks you to delete something.
• Review old posts and remove content that could embarrass them.
• Share sensitive updates privately with trusted family members when necessary.
• Check who can view, save or reshare your posts.

A child’s difficult moment should remain a safe moment between the child and the people caring for them. Protect their privacy before reaching for the camera.

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👍 Like, share, and comment to spread awareness.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

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https://cybercrime.gov.in

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police, Emeritus)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post DON’T POST YOUR CHILD’S TEARS! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Fake Electricity Meter Upgrade Scams!

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 06:20:29 +0000

Fake electricity meter upgrade and smart meter installation scams are spreading rapidly across Indian cities and towns.

These scams are targeting households, shop owners, and small businesses. The hook is fear and authority. “Meter will be replaced.” “Billing system upgraded.” “Smart meter mandatory.” “Non-compliance will lead to disconnection.” The scam relies on people assuming the instruction is official.

Victims are contacted through phone calls, WhatsApp messages, SMS, and sometimes in-person visits. Scammers impersonate electricity board officials, contractors, or outsourced technicians. They use local language, area-specific details, and familiar electricity department terminology to sound legitimate.

Once engagement begins, the fraud follows a fixed pattern.

First, authority establishment.
The scammer claims a government mandate for smart meter installation or meter upgrading. Victims are told their meter is outdated, faulty, or flagged for inspection. The tone is firm and urgent to prevent verification.

Second, payment extraction.
Victims are told to pay an “installation charge,” “security deposit,” or “processing fee.” Payment is demanded immediately through UPI, QR code, or direct transfer. In some cases, a fake receipt or reference number is shared to reinforce legitimacy.

Third, data harvesting.
Victims are asked to share consumer numbers, Aadhaar details, phone numbers, or OTPs sent to their mobile. These details are later misused for identity fraud, account takeover, or linking other scams.

Fourth, physical access risk.
In some cases, fake technicians visit homes to “inspect meters.” This exposes households to theft, surveillance, and further fraud. No official meter upgrade process involves cash collection at the doorstep.

This scam is dangerous because electricity services are essential. Fear of disconnection pushes victims to comply without questioning authenticity.

What people must do to avoid electricity meter and smart meter scams is direct.

Electricity departments do not demand instant payments over calls or WhatsApp.
Smart meter upgrades are communicated officially through bills, notices, or verified portals.
Never pay installation or upgrade fees via QR codes shared by individuals.
Never share consumer numbers, Aadhaar details, or OTPs on calls or messages.
Do not allow unknown technicians into your premises without verified ID and official appointment confirmation.
Threats of immediate disconnection are a scam indicator. Stop engagement immediately.

If payment or details are already shared, act immediately.

Contact your local electricity board through official customer care channels.
Secure bank and UPI accounts used for payment.
Preserve call logs, messages, payment screenshots, and QR codes.
Report the fraud on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
If money is lost, call 1930 immediately for financial fraud reporting.

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👍 Like, share and comment to spread awareness.

🔔 Subscribe for more cyber safety insights.
👍 Like, share, and comment to spread awareness.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

https://cybercrime.gov.in

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police, Emeritus)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Fake Electricity Meter Upgrade Scams! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Copyright Strike Scams Are Trapping Creators!

Akancha Srivastava — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 06:12:02 +0000

Fake copyright strike scams are aggressively targeting Instagram and YouTube creators across India. https://youtu.be/1FrJ58cxx_0

These scams are designed to trigger panic by threatening account takedowns, monetisation loss, or permanent bans.

Creators receive emails, DMs, or WhatsApp messages claiming that a copyright violation has been detected. The message uses official-looking language, platform logos, and urgent timelines such as “respond within 24 hours” or “account will be disabled.”

The communication appears professional and references real platform policies. Links are provided to “appeal” or “verify ownership.” This is where the fraud begins.

When creators click the link, they are redirected to fake platform pages that look identical to Instagram or YouTube login screens. Once credentials are entered, attackers immediately take control of the account. In many cases, the email and phone number are changed within minutes, locking the creator out completely.

Some victims are then extorted for money to “reverse the strike.” Others see their accounts used to scam followers, promote crypto frauds, or post malicious links.

This scam works because creators are emotionally invested in their accounts. Income, reputation, and years of work are at stake. Criminals exploit that fear.

What creators must do to avoid copyright strike scams is clear.

Never click copyright or strike links received through DMs, WhatsApp, or unsolicited emails.
Never log in through links claiming to resolve strikes or violations.
Always check copyright issues only inside the official app or creator dashboard.
Verify alerts by logging in directly through the platform’s official website, not through messages.
Never share passwords, OTPs, or backup codes with anyone claiming to be support.
Enable two-factor authentication and keep backup codes offline.
Understand that platforms do not threaten takedowns through random DMs.

If your account is compromised, act immediately.

Secure your email first.
Use the platform’s official hacked account recovery flow.
Revoke unknown sessions and connected apps.
Report the incident on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

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👍 Like, share and comment to spread awareness.

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👍 Like, share, and comment to spread awareness.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police, Emeritus)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Copyright Strike Scams Are Trapping Creators! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Aadhaar Update Scams Are Using Fake UIDAI Links and Agents!

Akancha Srivastava — Wed, 26 Aug 2026 07:36:25 +0000

Aadhaar update scams are targeting citizens across India.

This scam is done by exploiting fear, urgency, and blind trust in government systems. The message is simple and alarming. “Your Aadhaar will be suspended.” “Biometrics expired.” “KYC incomplete.” “Update within 24 hours or services will stop.” The objective is to push immediate action without verification.

These scams reach victims through SMS, WhatsApp, emails, robocalls, and fake websites impersonating UIDAI. The links look official, use government language, and often copy real UIDAI layouts. Elderly citizens, rural users, students, and anyone dependent on Aadhaar-linked services are primary targets.

Once you click, the scam unfolds in predictable stages.

First, identity data harvesting. Fake portals ask for Aadhaar number, mobile number, OTP, date of birth, address, and sometimes biometric update consent. This data is captured and stored by criminals. Aadhaar-linked services are then misused or sold.

Second, financial redirection. Victims are asked to pay small “update fees” or are redirected to fake payment gateways. In some cases, Aadhaar-linked bank accounts are targeted after data collection.

Third, assisted fraud through fake agents. Scammers pose as UIDAI agents and offer “home Aadhaar update.” They collect documents, photos, and sometimes fingerprints using portable devices. These are later misused for identity fraud, SIM issuance, and bank account abuse.

This scam is dangerous because Aadhaar is a foundational identity. Once compromised, it affects banking, telecom, government benefits, and digital verification across platforms.

What people must do to avoid Aadhaar update scams is direct.

Aadhaar updates are done only through official UIDAI portals or authorized Aadhaar Seva Kendras.
UIDAI does not send update links on WhatsApp, SMS, or email asking for immediate action.
Never share Aadhaar number, OTP, or demographic details through links or calls.
Never allow home visits by unknown Aadhaar agents.
Always verify updates only through the official UIDAI website or centers.
If a message threatens suspension or deadline pressure, treat it as a scam and stop engagement.

If Aadhaar data is already shared or misused, act immediately.

Lock your Aadhaar biometric authentication through the official UIDAI portal.
Check Aadhaar authentication history for suspicious activity.
Secure your bank accounts linked to Aadhaar.
File a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
If money is lost, call 1930 immediately for financial fraud reporting.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

Facebook:

LinkedIn:

ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’

Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:

Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)

Our Mission

The post Aadhaar Update Scams Are Using Fake UIDAI Links and Agents! appeared first on Akancha Srivastava Foundation.

Digital Arrest Is A Fraud!

Akancha Srivastava — Thu, 20 Aug 2026 06:58:03 +0000

Ever received a WhatsApp call claiming to be police?

An elderly NRI doctor couple in South Delhi was defrauded of nearly ₹14 crore in a “digital arrest” scam after fraudsters impersonated law enforcement officials and psychologically coerced them to transfer massive sums of money.

The scam unfolded over more than two weeks. Fraudsters posing as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and other agencies told the couple that their mobile number and Aadhaar were linked to illegal activity and money laundering, then threatened arrest and legal consequences if they did not cooperate.

Callers claimed to be conducting a legitimate investigation and kept the victims under continuous video calls, creating fear, urgency, and isolation. They pressured the couple to transfer large amounts via RTGS to multiple bank accounts for “verification,” repeatedly advising them not to contact family or law enforcement.

The fraud only came to light after the calls stopped, prompting the couple to approach police and file an FIR.

These so-called “digital arrest” scams work because they exploit a deep fear of authority, punishment, and legal consequences. Victims are convinced that silence and compliance will protect them, when in reality they are being manipulated.

What people must do to avoid becoming victims is specific and non-negotiable:

Never respond to calls, messages, or video calls claiming legal trouble from police or government agencies.
• Law enforcement does not initiate investigations, threats, or arrests through WhatsApp, email, or private calls.
• Do not share OTPs, bank credentials, or authorise any transfer because someone threatens arrest or legal action.
• Immediately end any communication that demands secrecy, urgency, or isolation from family.
• Independently verify by contacting theofficial police stationusing numbers from verified government websites; do not use numbers provided by the caller.
• Talk to family or trusted contacts before taking any action if you receive such calls. Isolation is exactly what scammers rely on.
• If you have been pressured into transferring money, report the incident without delay on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal:
https://cybercrime.gov.in

The only defence against these scams is verification and refusal to comply under fear. Real investigations are never conducted by WhatsApp video calls, and no authority asks for money to avoid arrest.

Stay Aware, Stay Safe.

Jai Hind, Jai Bharat.

CONTACT US:

Twitter: @AkanchaS

Instagram: @akanchas

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