Digital Arrest Scam

Overview

Scammers impersonate police, CBI, customs, or court officials on a video call, falsely accuse the victim of a serious crime, and claim they are now under "digital arrest" — forcing them to stay on camera for hours or days while transferring their savings to "safe" accounts to prove innocence.

How It Works

The scam begins with a phone call, often with a spoofed caller ID, in which the fraudster poses as a law-enforcement or government official and accuses the victim of a crime such as money laundering, drug trafficking, or sending illegal packages. The caller then escalates to a video call, displaying fake FIRs, arrest warrants, and official-looking IDs, and tells the victim they are now under "digital arrest" and must remain visible on camera and isolated from family or friends while their case is "investigated". Under sustained psychological pressure and threats of real arrest or criminal charges, victims are coerced into transferring money — sometimes repeatedly over days or weeks — into multiple "safe" bank accounts or converting funds to cryptocurrency, supposedly to verify their innocence or avoid prosecution, or into handing over OTPs, banking credentials, or remote access to their devices.

Red Flags

• A caller claims you can be "arrested" or investigated entirely through a phone or video call
• You're told to stay on camera continuously and cut off contact with family or friends while the "investigation" proceeds
• You're pressured to move money into "safe" government or police accounts, or to convert it to cryptocurrency
• Fake documents like arrest warrants, FIRs, or official ID cards are shown on-screen to look legitimate
• The caller uses urgency and threats of immediate arrest, asset freezing, or criminal charges to prevent you from hanging up or consulting anyone

Real Examples

• A 41-year-old Kolkata businessman lost INR 7.55 million over a 12-day digital arrest after scammers accused him of money laundering starting February 23, 2025, calling constantly and keeping him under surveillance until he made multiple transactions.
• A reported ₹58.13 crore fraud investigated by Mumbai cyber-police targeted a 72-year-old victim, involving multiple arrests and the discovery of thousands of fake bank accounts used for laundering.

Where It Spreads

How to Protect Yourself

• Know that no legitimate police force, court, or government investigator conducts arrests, hearings, or investigations over phone or video calls
• Hang up immediately and independently verify by calling the agency directly using an official number, never one given by the caller
• Never transfer money, share OTPs, or grant remote device access to anyone claiming to be law enforcement over a call
• If pressured or isolated during a call, contact a trusted family member or the real local police in person before taking any action
• Report suspicious calls to local cybercrime authorities or consumer protection agencies right away

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