What is a Digital Arrest Scam?

A digital arrest scam is a type of cyber fraud where scammers impersonate law enforcement agencies, government officials, or police officers to extort money from unsuspecting victims. They typically claim that the victim is under investigation for crimes such as money laundering, cybercrime, or financial fraud and demand immediate payment to “settle” the matter.

How Do Digital Arrest Scams Happen?

Scammers use various methods to carry out these frauds, including:

  1. Phone Calls from Fake Officers – Fraudsters pose as police officials, crime branch officers, or government representatives and inform the victim about a fabricated legal case against them.
  2. Fake Video Calls – Scammers may use AI-generated deepfake videos of police officers or government officials to make their threats seem legitimate.
  3. Emails or WhatsApp Messages – Victims receive fake notices from law enforcement agencies demanding urgent action to avoid arrest.
  4. Threats of Immediate Legal Action – They threaten immediate arrest, freezing of bank accounts, or severe penalties unless a fine is paid immediately.
  5. Demands for Payment – Victims are asked to transfer money via bank accounts, UPI, or cryptocurrency to “settle” the issue.
  6. Use of Fake Documents – Scammers may send doctored legal notices, fake arrest warrants, or forged official letters to add credibility to their claims.

Who is Targeted?

  • Common Citizens – Individuals who are unfamiliar with legal procedures and easily panic when threatened.
  • NRIs and Foreign Travelers – Scammers target non-residents with claims of financial irregularities in India.
  • Professionals & Business Owners – People who are cautious about their reputation and want to avoid legal hassles.
  • Elderly Individuals – Seniors are often targeted due to their limited awareness of digital scams.
  • Students & Job Seekers – Scammers claim issues with visa documentation or criminal records.

Dos and Don’ts When Facing a Digital Arrest Scam

✅ Do’s:

  • Stay Calm and Verify – Do not panic. Verify claims by contacting the actual police station or government office directly.
  • Check Official Websites – Real legal notices are only issued through government websites (like https://www.india.gov.in).
  • Record the Conversation – If you receive a call, record the conversation as evidence.
  • Report the Incident – Immediately report the scam to cybercrime.gov.in or the local police.
  • Inform Your Bank – If you have transferred money, inform your bank to attempt a recall.

❌ Don’ts:

  • Do Not Share Personal or Financial Information – Avoid giving out your Aadhaar, PAN, OTPs, or bank details.
  • Do Not Make Any Payments – Law enforcement agencies do not demand payments over the phone or online.
  • Do Not Click on Suspicious Links – Avoid downloading attachments or clicking links in scam messages.
  • Do Not Engage Further – Disconnect the call or stop responding once you realize it’s a scam.

Whom to Reach Out To If You Are Targeted

  1. Cybercrime Helpline (1930) – Call the government cybercrime helpline to report fraud.
  2. Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) – Lodge an official complaint online.
  3. Local Police Station – File an FIR if money has been stolen.
  4. RBI Ombudsman – If bank fraud is involved, file a complaint with the Reserve Bank of India.
  5. Consumer Helpline (1800-11-4000) – Report scams related to digital payments.

Conclusion

Digital arrest scams exploit fear and urgency to trick victims into paying money. The best defense is awareness, verification, and immediate reporting. Stay vigilant, educate others, and always confirm official claims through government sources before taking any action.