Indore, Madhya Pradesh — In a remarkable twist, scammers who mistakenly targeted the Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) of Indore’s Crime Branch, Rajesh Dandotiya, were caught off guard when their victim turned out to be a law enforcement officer. The incident, which unfolded on Sunday afternoon, brings attention to the growing threat of cybercrime and the importance of safeguarding citizens’ rights against digital exploitation.

At approximately 2 pm, Dandotiya received an automated voice call claiming that a fraudulent transaction of Rs 1,11,930 had been made using his credit card. The caller further threatened that his bank account would be frozen within two hours unless immediate action was taken. However, what the scammers didn’t anticipate was that the man on the other end of the line was a high-ranking police officer.

Rather than falling prey to the scam, Dandotiya decided to play along. When the scammers requested a video call to record his statement, they were taken aback when they saw Dandotiya in his police uniform. Realizing their error, they hastily disconnected the call, exposing their fraudulent scheme.

This type of scam, known as “digital arrest,” is an increasingly common modus operandi used by cybercriminals. Scammers impersonate law enforcement officials and banking representatives, using fear tactics and fake threats of arrest to extort money from their victims. In this case, the fraudsters claimed that Dandotiya’s Aadhaar card had been misused and that an FIR had been filed against him in Andheri West, Mumbai, further adding to the urgency and distress.

Dandotiya, speaking about the experience, stressed the importance of being vigilant and educated about such scams. “They first posed as banking officials, then impersonated police officers, falsely claiming that my Aadhaar card had been misused. They created a false narrative of urgency to intimidate me. Thankfully, I was able to spot the fraud and expose their tactics,” Dandotiya said.

The incident underscores the broader issue of digital fraud and its implications for human rights, particularly the right to security and protection from exploitation. Cybercrime not only targets individuals’ financial well-being but also infringes on their right to privacy, often involving the illegal collection of personal data for malicious purposes.

As cybercrime continues to rise, it is crucial for citizens to be educated about their rights and the steps they can take to protect themselves from such scams. Authorities, on their part, must strengthen digital safety measures and ensure that criminals face the full force of the law.

Dandotiya’s quick thinking serves as a reminder of the importance of law enforcement vigilance in the digital age. His decision to engage with the scammers, instead of falling victim to their tactics, highlights the need for continued public awareness and proactive action to safeguard personal and financial information in an increasingly digital world.