Paper Title
CYBER SHAKEDOWN: THE RISE OF DIGITAL ARREST SCAMS AND LEGAL PROTECTION IN INDIA

Abstract
The "digital arrest" scam is a growing menace in India's rapidly evolving cybercrime landscape. In this scam, cyber fraudsters use deceptive tactics, often posing as law enforcement officials to instilfear of legal consequences. Victims are contacted through emails, calls, or messaging apps and they are falsely accused of serious crimes, including money laundering, sex racket, or drug trafficking. These victims are manipulated into believing they are under "digital arrest," compelled to stay visible on video conferencing platforms until they comply the scammers' demands. It is estimated that India has suffered a loss of Rs. 1,616 crores to digital arrest scam with 63,481 complaints till date. Among the victims are SP Oswal, a businessman; a Pune-based tech professional, model Shivankita Dixit and others. This alarming trend highlighted the need for public awareness, robust legal measures, and effective law enforcement strategies to combat this escalating threat. This study examines the legal framework that governs digital arrest scams in India, evaluating the efficacy of existing laws in tackling these cyber frauds. It also explores the challenges posed by different jurisdictions, the anonymity afforded by digital platforms, and cross-border perpetrators. It also investigates the role of intermediaries, such as internet service providers and social media platforms, in preventing and detecting these scams. While intermediaries play a crucial role, another significant factor to the successes of these scams is the lack of awareness among potential victims. Therefore, the study also explores the need for targeted public awareness campaigns to educate individuals about the modus operandi of digital arrest scams, enabling them to identify and avoid such risks. It also provides suggestions for robust legal frameworks, enhanced investigative techniques, and cyber security strategies to effectively tackle digital arrest scams. Keywords - Digital Arrest, Intermediaries, Cyber Frauds, Modus Operandi, Cyber Security.