Digital Arrest Fraud
There is no “digital arrest”; officials do not demand transfers to a safe account.
What is this fraud?
Criminals impersonate police, CBI, customs, courts or other agencies and falsely claim the victim is under investigation or 'digital arrest'.
How does it happen?
Through calls/video calls, fake IDs and staged offices, they isolate the victim, demand secrecy and force transfer of money for 'verification', 'safe custody' or bail.
Warning signs
Threat of arrest on video call; instruction not to disconnect or contact family; demand to transfer funds; display of fake warrants; request to remain under camera surveillance.
How to stay safe
No legitimate agency conducts a digital arrest or asks you to transfer money for verification. Disconnect and independently contact local police or the official agency.
If you are a victim
Stop contact and payments, immediately call 1930, inform the bank, report online and preserve call recordings, numbers, documents, account details and chats.
Evidence to preserve
Keep transaction IDs or UTRs, bank messages, screenshots, chats, emails, phone numbers, profiles, URLs, app details, and the exact date and time. Preserve original files without editing or deleting them.
Official reporting
For financial cyber fraud, call 1930 immediately, notify your bank or payment provider, and file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal ↗. General technical advisories are available from CERT-In ↗.