With the rapid rise of digitalisation in India, cyber fraud has become increasingly common, and sophisticated, targeting individuals across all walks of life. Among the latest threats is the “Digital Arrest” scam, a scheme that manipulates fear to force victims into compliance. Typically, fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials, using realistic video calls and fabricated documents to make their threats appear genuine. Under the pretext of immediate arrest, they pressure their victims into transferring money or disclosing sensitive information.
What makes this scam particularly alarming is its reach. From the average citizen to high-profile executives, anyone can become a target. With the scam’s clever use of technology, including video conferencing and digital manipulation, even the savviest individuals have found themselves ensnared by these fraudsters.
In this blog, we’ll explore how the digital arrest scam works, share real-life examples of its impact, and provide crucial guidance on safeguarding yourself and your organisation. By raising awareness and fostering vigilance, we can each take steps to stay secure in a digital world filled with evolving threats.
What Is The “Digital Arrest” Scam?
A “Digital Arrest” scam is a new-age scam that leverages technology to deceive and exploit people by simulating an official arrest scenario online. Fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials, using methods like video calls, falsified documents, and other digital tactics to convince their targets that they are under legal scrutiny. Unlike a physical arrest, a digital arrest is purely virtual, created to manipulate victims into believing that immediate action—usually involving a transfer of money—will save them from severe consequences.
The scam capitalises on people’s fears of legal repercussions and relies on the victim’s trust in authority figures. By using digital platforms to deliver their threats, scammers can intimidate individuals and coerce them into compliance without ever coming into physical contact. As a result, the digital arrest scam has seen a worrying rise, with reports suggesting that it has impacted thousands, from average citizens to high-profile professionals.
This scam draws attention to the larger issue of digital fraud and the need for enhanced due diligence practices, as highlighted in recent due diligence guidelines issued by the RBI. Financial institutions and businesses now place increasing importance on digital identity verification and background checks to protect consumers from fraudulent activities.
How Does The Digital Arrest Scam Work?
The digital arrest scam is a carefully planned act that plays on fear and urgency. By pretending to be officials from reputable organisations, scammers manipulate victims into following their demands. Here’s how it usually unfolds:
Step 1: The Fake Phone Call or Message
The scam often begins with a simple message or phone call, which might appear to be from a bank, telecom provider, or even a courier service. The message typically warns the recipient about a legal issue or suspicious activity linked to their accounts, creating a sense of urgency. The victim is then directed to press a number or reply to connect with a “representative.” Once connected, the victim finds themselves speaking to someone posing as an official from a government agency or law enforcement body.
Step 2: Pretending to Be the Police or Government
On the call, the scammer escalates the tension, using personal information like the victim’s name, ID number, or address to appear credible. They then claim the victim is involved in serious crimes, like money laundering or tax evasion, to increase anxiety. In many cases, the scammer asks the victim to switch to a video call, making the interaction seem even more realistic. During the video call, scammers may appear in uniforms or set up fake “official” backgrounds to add authenticity. Victims are sometimes shown falsified documents, like arrest warrants, further cementing the illusion of legitimacy.
Step 3: Demanding Money Right Away
With the victim sufficiently alarmed, the scammer introduces a way to “resolve” the issue. They request immediate payment as a “fine” or “security deposit” to prevent arrest or other legal actions. These payments are usually demanded via untraceable channels, such as cryptocurrency or prepaid cards, which makes it nearly impossible to retrieve the money once transferred. Scammers often keep the victim on the call throughout the process, using high-pressure tactics to prevent them from consulting others or seeking advice, pushing them to comply quickly.
“Digital Arrest” Scam Real-Life Cases
The digital arrest scam has ensnared individuals across various demographics, including senior citizens, by exploiting their trust and unfamiliarity with digital communication. Below are real-life instances illustrating the scam’s impact:
Case 1: High-Profile Businessman Defrauded
In September 2024, S.P. Oswal, chairman of Vardhman Group, was deceived by fraudsters posing as federal investigators. They orchestrated a fake online Supreme Court hearing, complete with an impersonator of former Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, coercing Oswal into transferring approximately ₹6.9 crore ($830,000) under the threat of arrest. Authorities arrested two individuals and recovered $600,000, marking a significant recovery in such cases.
Case 2: Senior Citizen Duped by Fake Law Enforcement
A 72-year-old woman received a call from individuals claiming to be police officers, informing her of a legal case against her. Under the pretext of helping her avoid arrest, they coerced her into transferring a substantial amount of money.
Case 3: Doctor Defrauded Through Video Call
Dr Anvitha, a renowned doctor, received a late-night call from someone posing as a CBI officer, claiming a money laundering warrant was issued against her. She was told she was under digital arrest and must participate in a video call. Terrified, Dr. Anvitha transferred ₹70 lakh to the scammer’s account.
Case 4: 70-year Old Retired Engineer Tricked To Losing His Life Savings
A 70-year-old retired engineer from Delhi lost over Rs 10 crore to fraudsters who impersonated law enforcement officials. The scammers deceived him into transferring his life savings by fabricating a story about a drug parcel linked to his name and threatening him with arrest.
Prevention Tips: How To Stay Safe From Digital Arrest Scams
The Government of India and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) have issued specific guidelines to help citizens protect themselves from digital arrest scams. Here are actionable steps based on these official directives:
- Stay Calm and Do Not Panic
Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressure victims into making hasty decisions. Remember, legitimate law enforcement agencies do not issue arrest warrants or demand payments over the phone or video calls. If you receive such a call, remain composed and do not act impulsively.
- Verify the Caller’s Identity
If someone claims to be a government official, do not trust the call blindly. Disconnect and contact the relevant agency directly using the official contact information available on their official websites. This step ensures you are communicating with a genuine representative.
- Do Not Share Personal Information
Avoid disclosing sensitive personal or financial details over the phone, especially to unknown callers. Government officials will not ask for such information through unsolicited calls or messages.
- Be Wary of Unsolicited Communications
Scammers may contact you via phone calls, emails, or messages claiming to be from courier companies, banks, or government agencies. Always verify the authenticity of such communications before responding or taking any action.
- Report Suspicious Activities
If you encounter a suspected digital arrest scam, report it immediately to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or call the cybercrime helpline at 1930. Prompt reporting can help authorities take swift action against scammers.
- Educate Yourself and Others
Stay informed about common scam tactics and share this knowledge with family and friends, especially those who may be less familiar with digital communication. Awareness is a crucial defence against falling victim to scams.
How Can Businesses Prevent Digital Arrest Scams?
As cyber scams like digital arrest fraud continue to evolve, businesses are recognising the need to fortify their defences, not just for their security but also to protect their customers and partners. Companies like AuthBridge play a crucial role in this fight, providing technology-driven solutions that enhance security, streamline verification, and ensure compliance. Here’s how AuthBridge’s offerings empower businesses to stay ahead of such threats:
1. Streamlined Digital Onboarding and Verification
The digital arrest scam highlights how scammers use fake identities to impersonate officials and deceive victims. For businesses, verifying the identity of new customers, employees, and partners is essential in building trust from the first interaction. AuthBridge’s Digital KYC solutions, powered by AI-driven biometric checks and OCR technology, offer instant, reliable identity verification. This ensures that businesses interact only with genuine individuals, minimising the risk of falling prey to imposters.
2. Comprehensive Employee and Leadership Screening
Employee integrity is foundational to safeguarding an organisation against internal threats, including fraud or misuse of authority. Through platforms like iBRIDGE for employee background checks and AuthLead for executive vetting, AuthBridge provides businesses with thorough screening tools. By verifying educational, professional, and criminal records, as well as conducting detailed reference checks, companies can onboard individuals who align with their values and security standards, reducing the risk of fraudulent activity within their ranks.
3. Vendor and Third-Party Due Diligence
Partnering with vendors or third parties can introduce risks if they’re not thoroughly vetted, especially with scammers becoming increasingly sophisticated. our OnboardX platform provides comprehensive digital onboarding and due diligence checks for vendors and third parties. With background verification, risk profiling, and financial health checks, businesses can ensure they collaborate only with trusted partners, creating an additional layer of protection against fraud.
4. Criminal Record Verification and Compliance Monitoring
As digital arrest scams involve manipulation of legal fears, having access to verified criminal records and compliance checks is invaluable. Vault leverages extensive databases to perform criminal background checks and monitor legal compliance, ensuring that individuals associated with fraudulent or criminal activities are identified and flagged. This tool enhances security by helping businesses avoid engagements that could expose them to legal risks or reputational damage.
5. Educating and Empowering Teams Against Cyber Threats
In the fight against scams, awareness is one of the most effective defences. AuthBridge works closely with businesses to promote cybersecurity awareness and build a culture of vigilance among employees. Through regular updates on emerging threats and best practices for handling suspicious activity, companies can equip their teams with the knowledge needed to recognise and report potential scams, helping to minimise organisational risk.
Conclusion
In a time when scams like digital arrest fraud are on the rise, companies must take proactive steps to protect themselves and their stakeholders. By implementing advanced verification tools and promoting awareness, businesses can stay resilient against the tactics of cybercriminals. AuthBridge’s suite of solutions offers the technology, expertise, and support needed to secure digital interactions, strengthen compliance, and build a safer, more trusted environment.
FAQs around Digital Arrest Scam
In India, a “digital arrest” is a scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement through video calls, using fake arrest warrants and legal proceedings to extort money or personal information. Indian law does not recognise arrests conducted digitally; legitimate arrests require in-person procedures as per legal mandates.
A digital arrest in India refers to a scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials. For example, a Hyderabad tech professional was virtually interrogated over a video call, accused of money laundering, and coerced into transferring funds to avoid a fake arrest.
To safeguard against digital arrest scams in India, consider the following precautions:
Verify Caller Identity: If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a law enforcement or government official, independently confirm their identity by contacting the relevant agency through official channels. Legitimate authorities do not initiate legal proceedings via phone calls or video calls.
Do Not Share Personal Information: Avoid disclosing sensitive details such as Aadhaar numbers, PAN, bank account information, or OTPs over the phone or online platforms, especially to unknown or unverified sources.
Stay Calm and Do Not Succumb to Pressure: Scammers often create a sense of urgency to elicit quick responses. Remain composed, do not make hasty decisions, and take time to assess the situation.
Report Suspicious Activities: If you suspect a scam, report it immediately to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or call the cybercrime helpline at 1930. Prompt reporting can help prevent further incidents.
Educate Yourself and Others: Stay informed about common scam tactics and share this knowledge with family and friends to build a community aware of such threats.
To stay safe while using digital devices, it’s essential to follow guidelines recommended by the Government of India and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In). Here are the key precautions:
Secure Your Devices:
- Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) where available.
- Regularly update your device software to patch vulnerabilities.
- Install and update antivirus software to protect against malware.
Avoid Public Wi-Fi for Sensitive Transactions:
- Refrain from accessing banking or sensitive accounts over public Wi-Fi. Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for secure browsing.
Be Cautious with Emails and Links:
- Avoid clicking on unsolicited links or attachments. Phishing emails often mimic official communication to steal sensitive information.
Verify Communications:
- Government agencies or banks will not request sensitive details (e.g., Aadhaar, PAN, OTPs) over calls or messages. Verify any such communication through official channels.
Enable Device Security Features:
- Use device locking features like PINs, patterns, or biometrics.
- Enable remote wipe capabilities to erase data if your device is lost or stolen.
Report Suspicious Activities:
- If you encounter suspicious online activities, report them promptly to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal or call the cybercrime helpline at 1930.
Educate Yourself and Others:
- Stay informed about cyber threats and share knowledge with friends and family, particularly those less familiar with technology.
If you receive such a call:
- Stay calm and avoid panic.
- Do not share any personal or financial details.
- Disconnect the call immediately.
- Verify the claims by directly contacting the official organisation through their publicly listed numbers.
- Report the incident to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) or call 1930.
No, video calls are not used for legal proceedings, arrest warrants, or interrogations in India. Scammers may use video calls with fake uniforms or staged backgrounds to create a false sense of authority. Always verify such communications through official channels.
- The caller demands immediate payment to avoid arrest.
- The use of platforms like WhatsApp or Skype for “official” communication.
- The caller shares incomplete or incorrect personal details to gain trust.
- Threats of severe legal consequences without providing legitimate documentation.
Recovering losses can be challenging but not impossible:
- Report the fraud immediately to the cybercrime helpline (1930) and your bank.
- Provide evidence such as call recordings, transaction details, and any messages to authorities.
- Early reporting increases the chances of recovery.
Digital Arrest Scam Victims can:
- File a complaint through the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal.
- Lodge an FIR with local police.
- Seek legal advice to understand further action based on the severity of the fraud.
Senior citizens are often targeted because:
- They may lack familiarity with digital communication methods.
- Scammers exploit their trust and fear of legal complications.
- Education campaigns tailored to senior citizens can reduce their vulnerability to scams.
