Digital Arrest Scam
What is a Digital Arrest Scam?
A Digital Arrest Scam is a sophisticated cyber fraud in which criminals impersonate officials from law enforcement agencies, government departments, or regulatory authorities to intimidate victims into transferring money or disclosing sensitive information.
Fraudsters typically contact victims through phone calls or video calls, falsely claiming that the victim is involved in a serious criminal investigation, such as money laundering, identity theft, or parcel-related offences. They may display fake identity cards, forged documents, or manipulated video backgrounds to create an illusion of legitimacy.
Victims are often told that they are under a “digital arrest” and must remain on continuous video calls while being instructed not to contact family members, lawyers, or the police. They are then pressured into transferring money to so-called “safe” or “verification” accounts for investigation purposes.
No law enforcement agency in India conducts a “digital arrest” or demands money to verify innocence or avoid arrest.
Warning Signs
Be cautious if someone:
- Claims to be from the police, CBI, ED, customs, or another government agency over a phone or video call.
- Says you are involved in a criminal case without serving any official notice.
- Threatens immediate arrest unless you follow instructions.
- Asks you to remain isolated or stay on a continuous video call.
- Directs you to transfer money to a “safe account.”
- Requests confidential banking information, OTPs, or UPI PINs.
What Should You Do?
If you receive such a call:
- Stay calm and do not panic.
- Disconnect the call if you suspect fraud.
- Do not transfer any money.
- Do not share banking credentials or personal information.
- Verify any claim directly through the official contact details of the concerned authority.
- Report the incident by calling 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
If you have already transferred money, contact your bank immediately, preserve all evidence (including call recordings, screenshots, messages, and transaction details), and report the incident without delay.
How to Protect Yourself
- Arrests and legal proceedings follow established legal procedures.
- No genuine authority will ask you to transfer money to prove your innocence.
- Never make financial decisions under pressure or fear.
- If someone claims to be a government official, independently verify their identity through official channels.
- Discuss suspicious calls with a trusted family member or legal professional before taking any action.
Remember
Fear is the primary weapon used in digital arrest scams. If someone pressures you to act immediately, verify first and never transfer money without independent confirmation.