Digital Arrest Scam: What It Is and What To Do

The I4C advisory on this scam describes a pattern that repeats with small changes:

1. The call. An automated (IVR) call or a person claims to be from a courier company, the telecom department, Mumbai Police, Delhi Police, the CBI, the narcotics department, the RBI or the Enforcement Directorate. The number shown can be spoofed.
2. The accusation. You are told a parcel in your name has drugs or fake passports, or that your Aadhaar or mobile number was used for money laundering or other crimes. Sometimes they say a family member has been caught.
3. The confinement. You are moved to a video call, often on WhatsApp or Skype, with people in uniform and a set that looks like a police station. You are told to keep the camera on, stay in the room and tell no one. This is the "digital arrest".
4. The money. To "clear your name", "verify your funds" or "settle the case", you are told to transfer money to an account they give you. It never comes back.

• Anyone saying you are under "digital arrest" or "digital custody". This does not exist in law.
• Being told to stay on a video call for hours and not tell your family.
• Arrest warrants, court orders or ID cards sent as WhatsApp images or PDFs.
• Any request to move money to a "safe", "RBI" or "verification" account.
• Pressure, threats and a deadline measured in minutes.

Asli police aise kaam nahi karti. Notice aata hai, proper process hota hai, video call pe arrest nahi hota.

In his Mann Ki Baat address on 27 October 2024, the Prime Minister spoke about this scam and gave a three step rule:

• Ruko (stop): don't panic, and don't share any personal or bank details.
• Socho (think): no genuine agency questions you like this on a phone or video call or asks you for money.
• Action lo (act): call 1930, report on cybercrime.gov.in, tell your family and keep a record.

1. Disconnect. There is no penalty for hanging up on a stranger, whatever they claim to be.
2. Do not call back on any number they gave you, and do not install any app or open any link they send.
3. Tell someone at home or call a family member. The scam depends on keeping you alone.
4. If you are worried that a real case exists, call or visit your nearest police station using a number you find yourself.
5. Report the number on Chakshu on the Sanchar Saathi portal, even if you did not lose money.

Call 1930 immediately, then complete the complaint on cybercrime.gov.in and inform your bank. Keep the call logs, numbers, video call IDs, screenshots and every transaction ID. Our step by step guide on how to report cyber fraud in India covers exactly what to keep and what to type.

It is not your fault. These are organised criminal groups that use fear very skilfully. Sharam mat karo, report karo.

Senior citizens are a common target. Tell them one simple line: "Koi bhi officer video call pe arrest nahi karta, aur case khatam karne ke liye paise nahi maangta." Save 1930 in their phone, and agree that they will call you before they send money to anyone who is threatening them.

Impersonating officials, threatening people and taking money this way can be offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, and cheating by personation using a computer resource is an offence under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000. The police decide which sections apply in a case. For the basics, see Cyber Law India on this site.