|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
A new wave of cybercrime is spreading across India, where scammers posing as cyber-police officials are threatening unsuspecting citizens with arrest for allegedly “watching porn” or visiting adult websites. Victims are being coerced into paying large sums of money to avoid fake legal consequences, a disturbing trend that is growing fast across social media and messaging platforms.
The scam typically begins with a phone call or WhatsApp message from someone pretending to be an officer from a government cybercrime unit. The caller falsely claims that the person’s online activity has been tracked and that they are accused of viewing or distributing adult content, a serious allegation designed to create panic and shame. Armed with official-sounding designations, digital badges, and even doctored ID cards, these imposters make the threats seem alarmingly real.
Once the victim panics, the caller escalates the pressure claiming a “case file” has been opened or a “non-bailable warrant” has been issued. The victims are told they can “settle” the matter immediately by transferring money to an account, failing which they risk arrest, defamation, or exposure. In several cases, people have been tricked into transferring thousands of rupees out of fear and embarrassment.
Cyber experts emphasize that watching adult content privately is not a criminal offence in India. However, most victims panic because of the psychological nature of the scam it leverages shame, fear, and misinformation. Many victims, fearing social judgment, choose to stay silent rather than report the fraud, giving scammers more power to continue their operations undetected.
According to digital safety researchers, the scam has expanded far beyond big cities, reaching smaller towns where people are less familiar with cyber laws. The fraudsters now use AI-generated voices, fake court notices, and forged government letters to appear legitimate. Authorities warn that these gangs often operate from outside the state or even overseas, making them harder to trace.
Police officials advise citizens to remember one key fact: no genuine cybercrime officer will ever threaten arrest over a phone call or demand payment over WhatsApp. Legitimate notices, if any, are always served officially and follow legal procedure. The government has urged people to report such incidents through the National Cybercrime Portal or local cyber cells instead of giving in to fear.
The psychology behind this scam is what makes it so dangerous. It exploits the natural fear of authority, the social stigma around adult content, and the anxiety of being accused publicly. This combination of emotions often pushes even educated individuals to make irrational decisions. Experts suggest that awareness campaigns and open discussions around digital privacy, consent, and online safety could help dismantle the power of these fear-based scams.
To protect yourself, experts recommend never engaging with unknown callers claiming to be from cyber police, never sharing OTPs or bank details, and saving every piece of evidence including screenshots, audio recordings, and call logs before reporting the fraud. Spreading awareness within family and community groups can also prevent others from falling prey to these tactics.
The rise of such fake cyber-policing rackets underlines how crime has evolved in the digital age exploiting fear instead of force, and shame instead of weapons. In a society where technology connects everyone, it’s not just data or money that needs protection, it’s human trust itself.
fake cyber police India, cybercrime scam WhatsApp, cyber fraud extortion, fake police threats online India, cyber police scam 2025, porn scam call India, fake cybercrime officers, online extortion fraud India, cybercrime awareness India, digital safety tips
