- Author: SRI GUGAN . S
INTRODUCTION
In the age of rapid technological advancement, the convenience of digital services has also brought with it new forms of crime. One of the most alarming and psychologically distressing forms of cybercrime to emerge in India by 2025 is the “digital arrest scam.” These scams have become increasingly prevalent, targeting ordinary citizens through fear and impersonation tactics. Victims receive alarming phone calls, video messages, or emails from individuals pretending to be police officers, CBI agents, or cybercrime officials, claiming the person has committed a crime and must “settle” the matter to avoid arrest. With panic as their strongest weapon, fraudsters have managed to extort lakhs of rupees from innocent people across the country.
UNDERSTANDING THE MODUS OPERANDI
The scam usually begins with a phone call, often appearing to come from a legitimate government number thanks to caller ID spoofing. The caller introduces themselves as a police inspector, a CBI officer, or sometimes a courier company executive. They claim the victim’s name is linked to a criminal case—commonly involving drug smuggling, money laundering, or illegal parcel shipments. What follows is a calculated play on fear. The caller insists that unless the matter is resolved immediately, an arrest warrant will be issued or the police will arrive at the person’s house.
In some cases, scammers also send official-looking documents or video calls with individuals dressed in police uniforms. These digital theatrics are designed to create a sense of urgency and legitimacy. Once the victim is terrified and confused, they are asked to “verify their innocence” by transferring money to a so-called government account or paying a fine through UPI or digital wallets.
WHY PEOPLE FALL FOR IT
What makes digital arrest scams so successful is their exploitation of fear, authority, and confusion. In a country like India, where legal processes can be intimidating and misunderstood, the idea of being arrested or facing criminal charges is enough to create panic. Scammers capitalize on this lack of awareness. Many victims are elderly people, homemakers, or individuals unfamiliar with legal or cyber processes. Moreover, the presence of fake documents, police IDs, or real-time video calls adds another layer of credibility to the threat.
Another factor that contributes to the success of these scams is the increasing dependence on digital communication. As more government services become digital, people are accustomed to receiving messages or notices through email, SMS, or WhatsApp. This normalization of digital contact from official sources makes it easier for criminals to replicate and misuse the format.
CASE STUDIES AND REAL INCIDENTS
Several cases from 2024 and early 2025 show how widespread and damaging these scams have become. In one incident in Bengaluru, a retired professor received a call claiming that a parcel registered in his name was seized at the Mumbai customs office containing narcotics. The caller, posing as a customs officer, connected him to a “CBI agent” who threatened arrest. Under pressure, the victim transferred over ₹8 lakh to multiple UPI accounts before realizing it was a scam.
In another case in Chennai, a young woman working in an IT firm received a video call from a man in police uniform, accusing her of cybercrime. The scammer even showed a fake arrest warrant and threatened to leak her personal data online. Out of fear and confusion, she ended up paying Rs.3.5 lakh, thinking she was escaping jail.
These examples are not isolated. Police departments in cities like Delhi, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune have reported hundreds of such complaints in recent months, prompting cybercrime cells to issue warnings through press conferences and social media.
HOW TECHNOLOGY ENABLES THESE SCAMS
The scammers behind these frauds are often well-organized and technologically equipped. They use caller ID spoofing software to display government numbers or known helplines. With easy access to uniform replicas, forged identity cards, and high-quality video call manipulation, they are able to simulate a realistic enforcement scenario. In some advanced cases, voice cloning and deepfake video techniques are also being used to impersonate senior officials or celebrities.
Fraudsters also collect data about potential victims from leaked databases, social media platforms, or online purchases. These details—like full name, address, and mobile number—are then used during the call to create a false sense of authenticity. The rise of AI-driven tools and privacy breaches has made personal information more vulnerable, increasing the chances of falling prey to such attacks.
LEGAL LOOPHOLES AND ENFORCEMENT CHALLENGES
While India has made significant strides in strengthening cyber laws, enforcement remains a challenge. The dynamic and anonymous nature of cybercrime makes it difficult to trace perpetrators, especially when they operate from different states or even foreign countries. Moreover, many victims are either embarrassed or unaware of where and how to report these scams, leading to underreporting.
Another issue is the delay in freezing fraudulent accounts. Even when victims report immediately, by the time the police coordinate with banks or UPI platforms to freeze accounts, the money is usually withdrawn or moved through multiple accounts. Law enforcement agencies have been calling for faster response mechanisms, including real-time banking alerts and coordination between cyber cells and financial institutions.
GOVERNMENT AND POLICE RESPONSE
Recognizing the rising threat, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) have stepped up their awareness campaigns. Posters, short films, and advisories are being circulated through various media channels to educate citizens about digital arrest scams. Police departments have also launched helpline numbers and urged the public to report such incidents on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
States like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka have set up dedicated cybercrime units to monitor digital frauds and conduct real-time investigations. Police officers are being trained through workshops to stay updated on new scam tactics. These sessions help them better detect, prevent, and respond to digital arrest frauds.However, officials admit that prevention through public awareness is the best solution since catching these criminals after the money is gone remains a difficult task.
ROLE OF BANKS AND DIGITAL PLATFORMS
Banks and payment service providers also play a critical role in preventing digital arrest scams. Some banks have now introduced fraud detection algorithms that flag unusual transactions or bulk transfers. Certain UPI platforms send warnings when users attempt to send money to high-risk accounts or unverified merchants.
However, loopholes still exist. Fraudsters often use mule accounts—bank accounts opened using fake documents or in the names of low-income individuals—making it harder to trace the mastermind. RBI has issued directives asking banks to tighten their KYC norms and work more closely with law enforcement in cases of suspected fraud.
PUBLIC AWARENESS: THE FIRST LINE OF DEFENSE
Perhaps the most effective way to combat digital arrest scams is through education and awareness. People must be taught that no police officer, CBI agent, or government body will ever demand payment over a call or threaten arrest without legal procedures. Arrests, if warranted, follow legal channels and cannot be avoided by digital payments. Government agencies do not conduct investigations via WhatsApp or Zoom.
Citizens should be encouraged to question suspicious calls, verify information by calling official helpline numbers, and report any scam attempt immediately. Campaigns should especially target vulnerable sections such as senior citizens, homemakers, and students—those who may be less familiar with legal protocols or online scams.
LEGAL REMEDIES AND VICTIM SUPPORT
Victims of digital arrest scams can file a complaint through the Cyber Crime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or by visiting the nearest cyber police station. FIRs will be registered under the sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act, 2000. While not all cases result in recovery of funds, timely complaints increase the chances of blocking and retrieving fraudulent transactions.
In addition, legal aid cells and NGOs working in the field of digital literacy and victim support are now offering counseling and assistance to scam victims. Many times, victims suffer mental distress, shame, and even financial ruin, highlighting the need for emotional and legal rehabilitation.
THE ROAD AHEAD: DIGITAL INDIA AND CYBER SAFETY
As India moves forward in its Digital India mission, cyber safety must go hand in hand with digital empowerment. Digital arrest scams are a reflection of how technology, when misused, can turn tools of progress into weapons of fear. While law enforcement and financial institutions have a key role to play, the responsibility also lies with individuals to stay informed and alert.
To tackle this threat effectively, a coordinated effort is needed—between central and state authorities, banks and fin tech firms, schools and workplaces, media and civil society. Only through collective action can India protect its citizens from falling prey to such devious and dangerous scams.
CONCLUSION
Digital arrest scams are not just about money—they are about trust, fear, and the exploitation of authority in a digital age. As these scams become more sophisticated, India must build a cybercrime response that is equally intelligent and people-centric. Stronger laws, faster enforcement, smarter banking checks, and widespread digital education are the pillars needed to protect the nation from this rising menace. Every citizen should remember: no genuine officer will ever ask for money to stop an arrest. When in doubt, report, don’t react.
FAQs
- How is a digital arrest scam does work?
They contact individuals through phone calls or video calls, claiming that the person is involved in a crime—like drug trafficking or money laundering—and will be arrested unless they pay a fine or “settlement fee.” These fraudsters use fear and fake documents to pressure victims into transferring money digitally.
- Why do people fall victim to such scams?
People often fall for these scams because of fear, confusion, and the convincing way scammers present themselves. Many victims aren’t familiar with legal procedures and panic at the thought of being arrested. Scammers also use fake IDs, uniforms, caller ID spoofing, and even video calls to appear official, which makes the threat feel real. The fear of embarrassment or jail pushes people to act without verifying the truth.
- Can the police or any government official demand money to avoid arrest?
No, genuine police officers or government officials will never ask for money to stop an arrest or settle a case over the phone. Legal procedures in India follow a formal process—any arrest or investigation involves written notices, summons, or in-person visits, not calls or WhatsApp messages. If someone claims otherwise, it is almost certainly a scam.
- What should someone do if they receive a call like this?
If someone receives a threatening call claiming to be from the police or a government agency, they should not panic or transfer any money. They should disconnect the call, take note of the number, and report the incident immediately on the National Cyber Crime Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) or by visiting the nearest cyber police station. It’s also a good idea to inform family members and spread awareness to avoid further victims.
- How can people protect themselves from digital arrest scams?
The best protection is awareness. People should know that legal issues are never resolved through phone calls demanding money. Always cross-check suspicious calls through official helplines and avoid giving out personal or bank details to unknown callers.
