Mumbai Police issues advisory against fake 'arrest notice', says do not respond

The fake notice being shared online. Pic/X

Mumbai Police have issued a crucial advisory to alert citizens about a fake 'arrest notice' that has been circulating widely on social media platforms and has urged people to not fall prey to the fake notices. The police has also advised people to not respond to the 'notice' in case anyone receives it.

The Mumbai Police has launched a campaign to raise awareness about the scam involving fraudsters who claim to be officials from the CBI, ED, and NCB, threatening victims with fake summonses or notices. The scammers aim to trick victims into providing sensitive financial information and then make unauthorized transactions.

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The arrest notice, which has raised significant concern, is likely a scam designed to deceive individuals into believing they are under investigation or facing legal trouble, sources said.

Mumbai Police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar addressed the issue on Saturday, urging people to disregard any such false notices and not to engage with them. The Mumbai CP highlighted the importance of skepticism and caution when encountering these fraudulent communications.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Mumbai police Commissioner Vivek Phansalkar urged those who receive any suspicious arrest notices via email, phone calls, or messaging apps to promptly report them to the police.

"Received an arrest notice from the Commissioner of Mumbai Police? Bring it to our notice. Don't believe or respond to any fake arrest notice on mail, WhatsApp, SMS, or phone call received on behalf of the Commissioner, Mumbai Police," he wrote on X.

Phansalkar further said that citizens should beware from such fraudsters who come up with new modus or ideas to cheat citizens. Many such fraudsters have come to light including online job fraud, lottery fraud, fake loan, share market fraud among others.

The Mumbai Police have also taken steps to inform the public by sharing a screenshot of one such fake notice. This particular document, which was recently seen going viral on social media, was characterized by its poorly written English and dubious claims. It purportedly instructed the recipient to visit the Mumbai Police Commissioner's office, alleging a "court order" related to their IP address concerning pornography.

The notice erroneously mentioned involvement by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

Not only Mumbai Police Commissioner but Vishwas Nagre Patil, Additional DG, Anti Corruption Bureau, Maharashtra had also recently shared a video on his social media account stating that fraudsters are calling as officer from central agency. Especially elderly and women, are being targeted by cyber criminals with threats and intimidation to gain financial benefits. He said, "Please note that no police official will "detain or interrogate" you on Skype or WhatsApp. This is a big red flag. You will never be asked to transfer personal funds to another account by a law enforcement official.Report any such attempt immediately so that such frauds can be prevented," added Patil.

What Citizens should Do to Avoid getting cheated:

1. Ignore any suspicious calls or messages claiming to be from the CBI, ED, or NCB.
2. Do not provide any personal or financial information to unknown individuals.
3. Approach the nearest police station if you receive such a call or notice.
4. Be aware that the Mumbai Police does not send unnecessary notices or summonses.