Question 1

What is the "Digital Arrest Cyber Fraud (Fake Law Enforcement)" scam in Kochi?

Accepted Answer

Organised cybercrime gangs impersonate CBI officers, Delhi Police, customs officials, or TRAI representatives and contact victims by phone or video call, claiming the victim's phone number, bank account, or identity has been used in criminal activity. The victim is told they are "digitally arrested" and must remain on video call and transfer funds to a "safe account" to prove innocence. Multiple arrests have been made in Kochi in 2024–2025, with losses ranging from ₹4.5 lakh to ₹4.12 crore per victim. Bloomberg and Onmanorama have reported these as among the most prevalent cyber scams in Kerala. Real Indian law enforcement agencies never contact citizens by video call, demand immediate fund transfers, or ask you to remain on camera continuously. Hang up immediately on any such call. Report to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call 1930.

Question 2

What is the "Fake Stock Trading Platform Investment Fraud" scam in Kochi?

Accepted Answer

Scammers contact tourists and travellers via WhatsApp, Telegram, or social media, posing as stock brokers or investment advisors, and invite victims to join exclusive trading groups promising guaranteed high returns. Victims are directed to fraudulent platforms that show fabricated profits, encouraging them to deposit more funds. When they attempt to withdraw returns, the platform is inaccessible or demands additional fees. Multiple Kochi-based cases were investigated by Kerala Cyber Police in 2024–2025, with individual losses exceeding ₹25 crore in the largest case. Never invest through a platform introduced by an unsolicited contact on WhatsApp or Telegram. Verify any investment platform with SEBI (sebi.gov.in) before transferring funds. If shown impressive paper profits on a platform you cannot withdraw from, treat this as a confirmed scam.

Online Scams in Kochi

Digital Arrest Cyber Fraud (Fake Law Enforcement)

Fake Stock Trading Platform Investment Fraud

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