India is currently facing a massive surge in "Digital Arrest" scams. These sophisticated cybercrimes target ordinary citizens, draining their savings and spreading anxiety across families. Spreading awareness is the key to staying safe.

What Is the Digital Arrest Scam?

The digital arrest scam is a psychological trap. Scammers pose as police officers, CBI, RBI, or enforcement officials and tell their targets that their mobile numbers or bank accounts are involved in illegal activities such as drug trafficking or money laundering.

Victims are pressured to stay on lengthy calls (audio or video), where fraudsters threaten immediate "digital arrest" unless large payments are made to resolve fake cases.

The scammers often instruct victims not to speak to anyone, isolating them and controlling their actions for days or weeks.

By using fear and authority, they extract massive sums—some victims have lost crores.

Real-Life Example

Just last week, a 73-year-old banker from Delhi was conned out of ₹23 crore after being told that his phone number was linked to a drug case. He was isolated via video calls, repeatedly threatened with arrest, and coerced into transferring savings over 11 days.

How These Scams Work

IVR calls, WhatsApp, or Skype video chats are used to fake law enforcement scenarios.

Victims are asked for Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details, or even to liquidate assets for “bail” or “case closure.”

Scammers use legal jargon and threaten seizure of property or imprisonment.

Measures to Keep Safe from Digital Arrest Scams- What You MUST Remember

Hang up and verify with police

Inform your bank and cyber cell

Tell relatives, friends, and neighbors

Use official government contacts

Practical Safety Tips

Know the Law: There is NO such thing as "digital arrest" under Indian law. Real police or government officials will not ask for money on calls or video chats.

Always Verify First: Never respond to unexpected demands. Call your local police station or check official websites to confirm any legal claims.

Hang Up Immediately: If anyone threatens legal action, arrest, or demands urgent payment, end the call and seek help.

Never share sensitive data: Do not give your Aadhaar, PAN, bank, or OTP details over phone calls or chats from unknown persons.

Use Cybersecurity Tools: Install anti-virus, enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts, and keep devices updated.

Spread the Word: Educate parents, elders, and less tech-savvy friends about such frauds. Awareness is a family affair.

Report Immediately:

Call 1930 (National Cyber Helpline)

File a complaint at the National Cyber Crime Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in)[8]

Notify banks to freeze accounts if money is lost

Save all evidence (screenshots, recordings, bank statements)

What to Do If You’ve Been Scammed

Stay calm and save all evidence (call logs, screenshots, payments).

Contact your bank to block transactions and freeze UPI.

Report the scam fast: cybercrime.gov.in and helpline 1930.

Inform local police and warn relatives and friends immediately.

Conclusion

Digital arrest scams prey on fear and isolation; awareness is the strongest weapon. There is no digital arrest law in India—any call that uses this threat is a scam. Hang up, verify, spread awareness, and report. Every citizen armed with knowledge makes it harder for scammers to succeed.

Stay safe, stay alert, and help others recognize the signs of digital arrest scams. Share this blog widely to protect every Indian household.