What To Do If Scammers Try to ‘Digital Arrest’ You

The term “digital arrest” is suddenly appearing all over India. Thousands of people have been cheated by scammers pretending to be police, CBI, cyber cell officers, or even courier company officials. The threat sounds terrifying: “You are under digital arrest. Do not disconnect this call.”

But here’s the truth: Digital arrest is not a real concept in Indian law. It does not exist in the IPC, CrPC, Police Acts, or any official rulebook. In this article, we explain how the scam works, signs to watch for, and exactly what you should do if someone tries this on you.

What Is the Digital Arrest Scam?

This scam usually begins with an unexpected phone call. The caller claims to be from a government agency like the police, CBI, NCB, cyber crime unit, or even the airport authority. They typically accuse you of one of the following:

• Your Aadhaar is linked to a crime
• A parcel in your name contains illegal items
• Your bank account is involved in money laundering
• Your mobile number is connected to unlawful activity

Then comes the pressure tactic: “You are under digital arrest until we complete verification.” Victims are forced to stay on video call for hours while scammers try to extract money or personal information.

Is Digital Arrest Real in India?

No. There is absolutely no such thing as digital arrest. Police officers cannot arrest anyone through a phone call, video call, WhatsApp, or Zoom meeting. An arrest is valid only when:

• A police officer meets you physically
• Reveals their official identity
• Follows due legal procedure
• Has proper arrest grounds under CrPC

Any “officer” asking for money, threatening punishment, or demanding that you stay on a call is 100% a scammer.

How Scammers Make the Call Sound Real

The digital arrest scam works because the fraudsters use intimidation and official-sounding language. Common tactics include:

• Using fake police or CBI identity cards
• Showing forged case documents
• Sharing Zoom links that look official
• Using fear keywords like “non-bailable warrant,” “money laundering,” etc.
• Keeping victims on video call to monitor their reactions

This psychological pressure stops the victim from thinking clearly and makes them easier to manipulate.

Red Flags That Signal a Digital Arrest Scam

• Caller threatens immediate arrest or legal action
• Asks you to stay on video call continuously
• Demands money for “verification” or “closing the case”
• Says your documents are linked to a crime without proof
• Prevents you from calling family or the police

If you see any of these signs, disconnect immediately.

What To Do If Someone Tries to Digitally Arrest You

1. Disconnect the call immediately.
2. Do NOT share Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, or photos.
3. Do NOT transfer any money.
4. Block the number.
5. Report the scam on the National Cyber Crime Portal (cybercrime.gov.in).
6. Inform your local cyber police station.
7. Warn family members, especially elderly people and students.

Why Digital Arrest Scams Are So Effective

Scammers rely on fear. When someone hears words like “CBI,” “arrest,” “FIR,” or “money laundering,” they panic. Fraudsters exploit that panic by controlling the entire conversation and keeping the victim isolated from help.

Awareness is the strongest protection. The more people know digital arrest is fake, the fewer people will fall for it.