Author: Snehal Rajaram Shinde, Gopaldas Jhamatmal Advani Law College
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehalshinde1121
Introduction
In the first four months of 2024 our country has registered a total of 7,40,000 cybercrime complaints. Around 1,800 crore money has been looted from investment scams, extortion, digital arrests and other frauds between January and April of last year, according to National Crime Cyber Reporting Portal, which is run by Ministry of Home Affairs. Online fraud has become quite a big thing now. As per the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, in May 2024 every day 7000 cyber crime complaints were registered, which is 113% more than 2021-2023. Money is the main motive in 85% of online fraud cases. 120 crore are looted till now under digital arrest scam.
Digital arrest is a deceptive tactic used by cyber-criminals, they create a sense of panic and fear and use it to extort money.
Latest Cases
Mr. S.P Oswal, who is a Chairman and Managing Director of the Vardhaman Group, became victim of digital arrest scam and lost 7 crore rupees. A fake case was filed against him, a fake virtual court with fake Chief Justice of India, D. Y. Chandrachud made the case heard. Fake documents were created and Oswal was kept under digital arrest for 2 days. The fake documents had the emblem of the Supreme Court, barcode, digital signature as well.
In Madhya Pradesh, Indore, the department of Atomic Energy, fraudsters digitally arrested the scientists and looted 71 lakh rupees from him. In Noida same thing happened to an 89year old retired Major General, he was kept under digital arrest for 5 days and an amount of 2 crore rupees were looted from him. In Noida a doctor named Pooja Goyal under digital arrest saying her number is spreading obscene videos, an amount of around 60 lakhs were looted from her. In Ahmedabad, 27year old women was informed by Central Agency’s officers, that there is a parcel in her name which contains drugs and action is going to be used against her. Also, a fake CBI officer asked her to undress to confirm birth marks on her body. 2lakh rupees were extorted from her under digital arrest scam.
How is it done-
Digital arrest is a name of a cybercrime where fraudsters video call and pretend to be a law enforcing agency. The most common 5reason used by scammers is that, “your parcel has drugs in it” or a registered mobile number of your name under it has been used for illegal activities like- extortion, terror, obscenity. If the victim agrees to this, then the phase 2 of digital arrest starts, wherein, you are locked up in your house and you have to be in front of the camera which cannot be turned-off. Basically, the idea of the fraudsters is that they will interrogate you and you cannot take help from anyone because you have to be in front of the camera. Then comes the phase 3 of this scam, which is the settlement stage. In this settlement stage you have to pay hefty sum of money to save your life and reputation. The scamsters are also demanding money in the form of cryptocurrency or gift cards which cannot be traced easily.
Report says 40% of these calls originate from South-East Asia from countries like Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. 40% calls can be retraced back to India, from small call-center towns. Once the amount of money is received by the fraudsters it is then transferred to the overseas accounts.
Precautions- Police role, citizens role
But these frauds won’t happen if the victims knew that there is no such thing as digital arrest in our legal system. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has issued a press release in which citizen were assured that the law enforcement agencies like CBI, Customs, ED, cannot arrest you digitally. And if anyone gets a call like this, the lawful authorities should be informed immediately on www.cybercrime.gov.in. You can also call on 1930, which is the National Cyber Crime helpline. But if you do not want the situation to reach this stage of reporting and pleading, then you must stay alert and proactive. Also, prevention is better than cure, do not reply to unknown messages, don’t click on unsolicited links and don’t answer video calls.
The government has launched an online suspect registry in which the data of 12 lakh cyber criminals is stored. The registry can be used by states, Union Territories, Central Investigation Agencies, Intelligence Agencies to control the cybercrime. On the other hand, through National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, NCRP, cybercrime reporting and resolution has been tried to be improved. The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre has returned 2,800 crore defrauded money to 8.5 lakh victims.
Conclusion
Digital arrests are not legal in India or anywhere in the world. So, don’t believe anyone if they say that they are putting you under digital arrest. The real power in the digital rea is awareness. Remember scammers thrive on fear and ignorance, so knowledge is your best defense share, so share more awareness so that people will become more aware from such scammers. Stay vigilant and always verify before you trust anyone.
FAQS
1. What is a digital arrest scam and how does it work?
A digital arrest scam is a cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers through video calls, falsely accusing victims of serious crimes (e.g., drug trafficking, obscenity, terrorism). They claim the victim must remain on camera under “digital arrest” and pay money to “settle” the matter. It’s done in three stages: accusation, isolation (under video surveillance), and extortion (payment via cryptocurrency or gift cards).
2. How can someone recognize they are being targeted by a digital arrest scam?
1.Receiving a call alleging you are involved in a criminal case.
2.Being told your mobile number or parcel is linked to illegal activities.
3.The caller demanding you stay on a continuous video call.
4.Pressure to keep the matter secret and not involve police or family.
5.Requests for payment to “resolve” the issue.
3. Are digital arrests legally valid in India?
No, digital arrests are not recognized under Indian law or anywhere globally.
As per the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre, agencies like CBI, Customs, ED, or Police cannot arrest anyone digitally. Any such claim is fraudulent.
4. What should a person do if they receive a suspicious call claiming a digital arrest?
Immediately:
1.Do not comply with any instructions.
2.Hang up the call and do not share any personal or financial information.
3.Report the incident on the National Cyber Crime Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in (http://www.cybercrime.gov.in/)
5. What steps are being taken by the Indian government to combat digital arrest scams?
1.Launch of a 12 lakh-entry cybercriminal suspect registry for use by law enforcement.
2.Establishment of the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) to streamline complaint resolution.
3.Return of ₹2,800 crore to 8.5 lakh victims by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre.
4.Regular press releases and awareness campaigns warning citizens about such scams.
