The digital age has made life easier—but it has also opened the door to new and alarming types of fraud. One such rapidly spreading scam is called “digital arrest.” What’s worrying is that even educated and tech-savvy people are falling into this trap.

The scam usually begins with a calm but authoritative phone or video call. The caller introduces themselves as a police officer, CBI official, or cybercrime investigator.

How the ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam Works

Scammers claim that:

• Your Aadhaar card, bank account, or mobile number

• Or a courier/parsel in your name

…has been linked to illegal activities or money laundering.

Then comes the fear trigger:
👉 “You are under digital arrest.”

This is designed to create panic and shut down logical thinking.

Is ‘Digital Arrest’ a Real Legal Term?

❌ No. Absolutely not.

There is no concept called “digital arrest” under Indian law.

Fraudsters invent this term and support it with:

• Fake police station backgrounds on video calls

• People wearing uniforms

• Forged documents and fake FIR numbers

All of this is done to intimidate you into obeying their instructions without questioning them.

Why Do People Fall for It?

Most victims aren’t careless—they’re scared.

Scammers often mention things that sound believable:

• An old SIM card

• A forgotten bank account

• A courier you “may have sent”

Fear affects judgment. Once panic sets in, people forget a basic truth:

No real police officer settles cases on WhatsApp or asks for money over a video call.

Major Red Flags You Should Never Ignore

🚨 1. Urgency and Pressure

Scammers insist the issue must be resolved immediately. They won’t allow time to think or verify.

🚨 2. Isolation

They’ll ask you to stay on the call, not speak to family, and avoid visiting anyone—because outside advice exposes the scam.

🚨 3. Demand for Money

This is the biggest giveaway.

• Asking you to transfer money

• Share OTPs

• Deposit funds into a so-called “safe” or “verification” account

⚠️ No government agency ever does this.

The Easiest Way to Protect Yourself

If you receive such a call:

1. Stay calm — panic is their biggest weapon

2. Do not engage or argue

3. Disconnect the call immediately

4. Contact:

   • Your nearest police station, or

   • Your bank’s official helpline

5. Report the incident to cybercrime authorities

Remember:

Legal action is always done through official notices and documents, never through countdowns on video calls.

Final Reminder

There is no such thing as digital arrest.
Fear is the fraudster’s tool—awareness is your shield.