Currently, cybercrime is increasing at an alarming rate in India with a new scam called Digital Arrest. Almost every day, new cases of losing money due to digital arrest are registered daily. Thousands of people have lost over lakhs and crores because of this cybercrime. This makes it important for you to have knowledge about this scam in detail along with prevention. Be alert and don’t be a victim of scams read the blog until the end.
What is Digital Arrest?
In simple words, a digital arrest scam is an online scam. In this scam, fraudsters trick people into thinking, they are arrested by authorities like police or government officers.
They use fake video calls, fake documents, and other things to make people believe that they are in authentic legal trouble.
This scam is called digital arrest because it uses an online medium rather than a physical one. In this scam, people are scared to pay money to avoid legal issues, but in reality, no legal matter exists.

How does Digital Arrest Work?
- In this scam, the scammer impersonates law enforcement officials such as CBI agents, tax offices, or customs agents.
- They connect with contacts via phone calls.
- After that, they ask victims to have a conversation via video call or WhatsApp call.
- On video calls, victims are scared of fake digital arrest warrants for issues like financial misconduct and tax evasion.
- In some cases, the scammer set up a fake police station to make people believe them.
- Victims pay large sums of money to clear their names and assist them in the investigation.
- People get tricked into thinking that this money is refundable or placed in an escrow account.
- After payment, the scammer disappeared by obtaining money from people.
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Example of Digital Arrest Scam You Must Be Aware
- Retired Engineer Loses Life Savings
A 70-year-old engineer living in Delhi lost more than 10 crore rupees due to digital arrest. Fraudsters deceive engineers that his name is linked with a drug parcel and scare him. They took him into digital arrest and made him transfer his money.
- Senior Citizen Conned by Fake Police Officers
A 72-year-old lady lost her money due to a fake legal case against her. In this case, the woman was tricked by a fraudster to avoid arrest she had transferred a large sum of money.
- Doctor Scammed Through Video Call
It is a case of Dr. Anvitha, she received a late-night call from a stranger claiming to be a CBI officer. The fraudster told her that a money laundering warrant had been issued against her. She transferred Rupees 70 lakh to the scammer’s account under pressure and lost her money.
- 69-Year-Old Woman Lost 5.66 Crore
A 69-year-old woman lost rupees 5.66 crore in a Digital Arrest Scam. Posing as officials from TRAI, RBI, and CBI, scammers claimed her Aadhaar-linked number is involved in money laundering. She transfers her funds for verification based on a refund promise. Over 20 days, she transferred her money and her daughter’s money through nine accounts during Skype calls. The fraudster guided her on what she had to tell bankers about large transactions, but the fraud went unnoticed. When she went to the CBI office for a refund, she found that she had been scammed.
- Business Tycoon Fraud
In September 2024, S.P. Oswal, Chairman of the Vardhman Group got tricked under federal investigations. Fraudster staged a fake online Supreme Court Hearing with Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud. The scammers scared the chairman into transferring rupees 6.9 crore. Two individuals were arrested, and $600,000 was recovered.

Tips to Avoid Digital Arrest Scam
- Stay Alert to Unsolicited Calls: Be aware that legal officials will never ask you for money on the phone call. So, whenever you receive this kind of call, don’t get scared.
- Question about the Caller’s Identity: If you receive a spam call, verify the authenticity of the caller by reaching out directly to the concerned agency using their official contact information.
- Don’t get scared under fake Pressure: Scammers create an urgency to take action immediately.
- Never share personal information: Do not disclose personal sensitive information such as your banking information, passwords, or identity documents.
- Deny Payment Request: Genuine government or force agencies never ask for money from personal bank accounts, UPI IDs, or online wallets.
- Be alert of video calls and WhatsApp Calls: Remember that official authorities will not use platforms like Skype, WhatsApp, or similar apps for investigations.
- Immediately Report Scam: If you suspect fraudulent activity, report the incident to the local police or cybercrime authorities.
Steps you can follow if you are a victim of Digital Arrest and lost Money
- Inform Your Bank: Contact your bank immediately to block the account and stop further transactions.
- File a Complaint Online: Report scam on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) to start investigations.
- Collect Evidence: Collect all relevant evidence, such as call logs, transaction records, screenshots of messages, emails, or any communications with the scammers.
- Inform Local Law Enforcement: Visit your nearest police station and file a complaint to record it in official records.
- Get Legal Help: Consult a lawyer to understand your rights and options for recovering lost money or taking legal action.
Conclusion
Digital Scam cases have made people realise the importance of awareness and being alert to crimes. In this arrest scammers use the power of fear to confuse people. With the help of this blog, you will learn how these scams work and how you can prevent this scam.
In some scenarios, if you become a victim of this kind of scheme immediately block the account transaction, report it to the cyber crime reporting portal, and take legal advice to recover your money.
FAQs
What does Digital Arrest mean?
It is an online scam where fraudsters threaten people with arrest via video call and steal their money.
Are Video Calls Used for Legal Proceedings in India?
No, video calls are not used for interrogation, arrest warrants, and legal processing in India.
What are the Red Flags of Digital Arrest Scams?
These are red flags you should notice:
- Asking for immediate payment and personal details.
- Interrogation via video calls.
- Threatening legal cases without any legal documentation
What is a Digital arrest helpline number?
1930 is the helpline number you can contact for reporting online scams.
How to file a Digital arrest complaint?
You can file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or you can call the cybercrime helpline.
Vijay Kandari
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