Navigating India’s Complex Cyber Fraud Crisis

New Delhi, January 1, 2026: A new wave of digital exploitation has emerged in early 2026, capitalizing on the public’s curiosity regarding sensational “leaks.” Cybercriminals were observed deploying malicious links across WhatsApp and Telegram, falsely promising access to a “19-minute viral video.” These links are often embedded in “phishing traps” that, once clicked, install stealthy malware or redirect users to fake login pages. The psychological hook of “exclusive content” is being weaponized to bypass the natural caution of users, leading to a surge in compromised accounts and stolen personal data.

Ghost Pairing: The Invisible Hijack

One of the most sophisticated threats identified by CERT-In this year is the “Ghost Pairing” scam. Unlike traditional hacking, this method exploits the “Linked Devices” feature of messaging apps like WhatsApp. Users were observed being tricked into scanning a QR code or entering a pairing code on a fake “verification” website. Once linked, the attacker’s device silently mirrors the victim’s chats and media in real-time. Because the account continues to function normally on the primary phone, many victims remain unaware for weeks that their private conversations are being “ghosted” by a third party.

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The Terror of the “Digital Arrest”

A significant rise in “Digital Arrest” scams has been recorded by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C). In these elaborate schemes, victims are contacted via video calls by individuals posing as “fake cops” or officers from the CBI and NCB. Dressed in realistic uniforms and seated in mock police stations, these fraudsters accuse citizens of involvement in money laundering or drug trafficking. Victims are observed being placed under “psychological confinement,” ordered to stay on a continuous video call, and coerced into transferring “security deposits” to avoid immediate arrest.

Fake Cops and Authority Impersonation

The authority of law enforcement is being increasingly mimicked to bypass logical skepticism. It was noted by security analysts that these “fake cops” utilize spoofed IDs and forged warrants to create a sense of absolute urgency. The goal is to induce panic, preventing the victim from consulting family or verifying the claims. Mumbai and Delhi have emerged as hotspots for these impersonation crimes, with losses often exceeding several lakhs per incident. Authorities have reiterated that no Indian law enforcement agency conducts arrests, interrogations, or legal settlements via WhatsApp or video call.

How to Build Your Digital Shield

As 2026 progresses, the “human firewall” remains the most critical line of defense against these evolving threats. To stay safe, users are urged to never click on unsolicited links promising viral content and to regularly check “Linked Devices” in their app settings. Any call from a “police officer” demanding money or requesting a video-call interrogation should be disconnected immediately. Two-step verification and the use of the Sanchar Saathi portal to report suspicious numbers are being promoted as essential habits. Remember, true digital security begins with a pause and a moment of verification.