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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
Staying alert can be the first line of defence against these manipulative tactics. Recognise the warning signs carefully:
First Published: Nov 26, 2025, 16:47
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