Online Threat Alerts (OTA) - Alerting you to scams and frauds.

Digital Arrest Scam - What is it and How to Protect Yourself
Digital Arrest Scam - What is it and How to Protect Yourself

A "digital arrest" scam is a sophisticated cyber-extortion tactic where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials to virtually detain victims through video calls. Despite the convincing drama, no such thing as a "digital arrest" exists in Indian law; authorities never arrest or investigate citizens over video calls or demand money to settle cases.

How the Scam Works

Fraudsters use a staged "police drama" to isolate and pressure victims:

  • The Hook: You receive a call (often via WhatsApp) from someone posing as an official from the CBI, ED, Customs, or Police. They claim your Aadhaar is linked to a crime, like money laundering or drug trafficking.
  • Virtual Detention: They force you to stay on a continuous video call, sometimes for days, claiming you are under "digital arrest". They may use deepfakes, wear fake uniforms, or sit in front of realistic police station backdrops to build credibility.
  • The Threat: They demand you stay alone and forbid you from contacting family or lawyers, threatening immediate physical arrest if the call is disconnected.
  • The Payoff: To "dismiss" the case or pay a "refundable security deposit," they pressure you into transferring large sums of money via UPI or bank transfer.

Protection Steps

  • Hang Up: If someone calls claiming to be police and demands a video call for "arrest" or "verification," disconnect immediately.
  • Stay Calm: Authorities do not use fear or urgency to demand money over the phone.
  • Never Share Details: Do not provide your OTP, bank PIN, or Aadhaar to anyone over a call.
  • Verify Independently: Contact your local police station or use official government helplines to check for any real cases.
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