Tech has simplified our lives–from banking, payments, and even shopping, which are now just a tap away. While these tools offer convenience, they’ve also opened the door to newer types of scams. Cybercriminals are getting smarter with tech, using official-looking numbers, deepfake videos, and scare tactics to trap people. One particular kind of cyber fraud that has shaken up social media and news headlines is the digital arrest scam.
Between January and May this year alone, police recorded 21 digital arrest scam cases, with victims losing over ₹9 crore. People who got scammed didn’t fully understand until it was too late. What makes these digital arrest scams even worse is the emotional toll, as scammers act on your fear and authority.
In this article, we’ll explain what a digital arrest scam is, how it works, and what red flags you should watch out for.
What is digital arrest?
In a digital arrest scam, scammers impersonate law enforcement or government agencies and trick you into believing they’re part of a legal investigation team. You are often told you’ve been linked to crimes like money laundering, drug trafficking, or data leaks. The scam relies heavily on fear, pressure, and fake authority. What makes this cyber fraud convincing is the setup–fake police IDs, official-looking emails, spoofed caller IDs, and even fake backdrops of police stations or courtrooms. The goal is to scare the victim into staying on the call and extracting money in the name of a penalty.
Why are digital arrest scams on the rise?
The digital arrest scam is a part of a broader pattern in cyber fraud that's growing faster than most people realise. Here’s why these scams are increasing: - Emotional manipulation works: Scammers understand how to trigger fear and urgency. If you’re told you might get arrested or lose access to your bank account, panic takes over. That’s what social engineering is built on - using emotion to push people into making poor decisions.
- Weak cybersecurity habits: Many people reuse the same passwords, ignore software updates, or share personal information too easily. These gaps make it easier for scammers to build convincing narratives.
- Digital payment systems are easy targets: Fake UPI links, QR code scams, and wallet transfers are now part of everyday cyber fraud tactics, making it simple for criminals to collect money without a trace.
- Cybercrime is organised: The dark web has made it easier to access stolen data, fake identities, and even ready-made scam kits.
- Law enforcement challenges: Many of these scams cross borders, making it harder to trace and punish the criminals.
How do scammers typically operate?
The digital arrest scam usually starts with a polite phone or video call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement or government official. The caller might mention a suspicious parcel, a KYC issue, or some legal trouble. The goal is to create panic and inform you that you’re involved in serious crimes, such as money laundering or cyber fraud, and could face immediate arrest. To make the story more believable, scammers send official-looking documents or fabricated arrest warrants and insist that everything be kept confidential. They can also threaten to freeze your bank accounts.
Next comes the demand for digital verification, which includes sharing Aadhaar details, PAN, or even staying on a video call under surveillance. You’re asked to transfer money as a fine or security deposit, usually through UPI, crypto wallets, or gift cards.
Once the payment is made, the scammers disappear. The money is often routed across multiple accounts, making recovery difficult.
How is India fighting back?
As digital arrest scams and other forms of cyber fraud grow more sophisticated, the Indian government has taken steps to address these threats effectively. Several measures have been put in place to protect citizens and strengthen digital safety across the country:- Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) acts as the national hub for handling cybercrime and supports law enforcement with training and technical resources.
- You can now report cases directly through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and get immediate help via the toll-free helpline 1930.
- Through the Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting System (2021), more than ₹4 crore has been saved across nearly 13 lakh complaints - thanks to faster reporting and fund-freezing mechanisms.
- The government and telecom service providers now work together to block international spoof calls that appear to come from Indian numbers, which are frequently used in digital arrest scam cases.
- Mass awareness drives and campaigns through Cyber Dost, SMS alerts, SancharSathi, and public displays help educate people on staying alert against such cyber fraud.
So far, I4C has proactively identified and blocked over 83,000 WhatsApp accounts used in digital arrest scams. As of February 2025, more than 7.8 lakh SIM cards and over 2 lakh IMEIs have been blocked by the Government of India.Save yourself from the digital arrest scam
Staying alert can be the first line of defence against these manipulative tactics. Recognise the warning signs carefully: - If you get a call accusing you of a crime or threatening arrest, pause. Scammers rely on panic to push victims into rushed decisions.
- Never share OTPs, passwords, or personal account details over a call or message - no legitimate agency or government officials will ever ask for them.
- If someone claims to be from the police, CBI, or any official body, ask for their details, hang up, and verify through official contact points.
- Don’t hesitate to talk it out - either to someone you trust or law officials. Keep a record of any suspicious communication and report it immediately.
- You can call the Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or file a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Digital arrest scams and similar cyber frauds thrive on silence, fear, and speed. Slowing down, staying alert, and asking the right questions can make all the difference.