Digital Arrest Scam: A New and More Deadly Variant of Cyber Fraud

The integration of technology into daily life has led to the creation of an extensive network of interconnected devices, transforming how individuals and organizations operate. Although the advancements in technology have enhanced efficiency, it has also opened new avenues for exploitation by cyber criminals, thereby highlighting the urgent need for advanced cybersecurity measures. The escalating number of cyberattacks and associated risks in the past decade highlights the critical importance of protecting sensitive data and safeguarding information systems. With the rapid growth of digital transactions and online communication, cyber criminals from time to time have devised numerous methods to exploit individuals such as financial fraud, phishing scams, identity theft, online harassment, data breaches, to name a few. In recent times, a novel form of cybercrime that been on the rise is the ‘digital arrest scam’.

Digital arrest scam refers to a cyber fraud where scammers operating via phone, text message, email or video call impersonate or pretend to be police officers, CBI officials, cyber police, financial regulatory authorities, or legal authorities, with a view to intimidate and defraud individuals as well as entities. In other words, digital arrest scam is a form of cybercrime wherein certain individuals pose as law enforcement officers to intimidate and coerce victims into transferring significant sums of money. The scammers scare the target victim by claiming that they have a warrant for the arrest of the target victim and that he/she is under investigation for supposed online crimes or cyber offences. To resolve the issue, they’ll demand immediate payment or personal information, often threatening arrest if the victim does not comply.

Digital arrest represents a form of cybercrime, where individuals or organizations find their digital rights and access unlawfully restricted, effectively creating a state of virtual detention. It focuses on the unauthorized seizure of digital assets, access to networks, or online presence, often through malicious software, ransomware, or unauthorized control over digital systems. This new and emerging threat challenges existing cybersecurity frameworks as well as exposes the chinks in the legislative armour accorded by Information Technology Act and rules made thereunder. The scam is gaining traction worldwide, including in our country where cyber criminals take full advantage of gullible citizens, exploit gaps in digital literacy and lack of trust factor in law enforcement agencies.

The objective of the Digital Arrest scam is to frighten the innocent and unsuspecting persons into making a payment or giving up sensitive information. The progression of digital arrest scam is stated as under:

1. Establish Initial Contact: The target person receives a call, email, or text message claiming to be from the Government or law enforcement agency. The message may have fake Government seals or logos and may even appear to come from a legitimate phone number. Digital arrest scammers commonly use the following modes of communication for establishing contact with the target victims:

a) Text messages claiming that there are legal issues that require immediate attention.
b) Automated phone calls or live calls posing as police officers or legal representatives to contact innocent and unsuspecting persons.
c) Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram or other messaging services to reach out to the target victim.
d) Video conferencing tools like skype, facetime or other apps to create a convincing and interactive experience with the target victim.

2. Establish Initial Contact: The target person receives a call, email, or text message claiming to be from the Government or law enforcement agency. The message may have fake Government seals or logos and may even appear to come from a legitimate phone number. Digital arrest scammers commonly use the following modes of communication for establishing contact with the target victims:

e) Text messages claiming that there are legal issues that require immediate attention.
f) Automated phone calls or live calls posing as police officers or legal representatives to contact innocent and unsuspecting persons.
g) Social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram or other messaging services to reach out to the target victim.
h) Video conferencing tools like skype, facetime or other apps to create a convincing and interactive experience with the target victim.

3. Immediate Action: The target person is told that to avoid arrest, he must act quickly- either by paying a fine or providing personal or financial information. The scammers even ask for payments via cryptocurrency, gift cards, or wire transfer, as these methods are difficult to trace and reverse.

4. Threats of Escalation: If the person receiving the call questions the legitimacy of such call or hesitates to comply, the scammers often become aggressive, threatening further legal action, increased fines, or immediate arrest.

The accusations hurled at target victims are designed to create panic and compel the victims to comply with the financial demands of the scammers. Scammers falsely accuse victims of crimes such as money laundering, cyber offences, tax fraud and then threaten with immediate arrest, freezing of bank accounts or any other legal action unless and until they make an urgent payment or disclose sensitive information such as Aadhaar card, PAN card, or bank account. Scammers leverage psychological pressure and make use of spoofed phone numbers and emails, fake legal notices, WhatsApp messages, and deepfake videos to create false sense of urgency, convince victims of their authenticity and manipulate victims into compliance. Once the victims comply with the illegal demands of the scammers, the latter withdraw the funds received from the victims or the credentials of victims for further frauds which may be demand of additional payments in the garb of claiming further legal complications, after which they cut off contact with the victims thereby leaving them high and dry with distress and financial losses.

1. Call from an unknown/spoofed phone number claiming to be law enforcement, cyber police, or CBI on Truecaller.
2. Threats of immediate arrest, FIRs, or court action unless payment is made
3. Fake legal notices via WhatsApp or email with fake Government letterheads
4. Callers demanding payment via UPI, bitcoin, or gift cards
5. Demands for personal details like Aadhaar, PAN, or OTPs
6. Pressure to act immediately or secrecy in transactions

Any person who suspects of being targeted by a Digital Arrest scam must follow these steps to protect himself:

1. Not to respond immediately: When a person receives a legal notice or call from law enforcement, he must take a moment and think about the situation before reacting or responding. Cyber scammers use panic as weapon to trick their victims. Thus, it is wise to first cross-check by calling the official helpline or visiting a police station.
2. Verify the contact: Contact the law enforcement agency directly through official channels, and not the number provided by the scammer, so as to confirm whether the communication is legitimate.
3. Do Not Share Personal Details:Whoever receives a call or notice from anyone claiming to be law enforcement official, must not share his personal information such as Aadhaar, PAN, bank details or OTP over calls or messages with unknown callers. If the personal information has been inadvertently shared with the scammer, the user can take steps to protect himself by changing passwords and alerting the bank if information shared included his financial information.
4. Use security software: It must be ensured that the devices, be it smartphones, Tablets, iPads or laptop have up-to-date security software to protect against phishing attempts and malware that the scammers might use to gain access to users’ information.
5. Be Wary of Urgent Payment Requests:No Government agencies demand any instant payments over phone calls or WhatsApp through UPI, cryptocurrency, or gift cards.
6. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links:Fraudulent emails and messages may contain phishing links claiming to be legal notice which often lead to cyber fraud. Thus, the users should avoid clicking on such links in emails or messages and also avoid downloading remote access apps unless sure of the sender.
7. Use Strong and Unique Passwords: The passwords used for logging into email IDs and social media accounts should not be simple and must include letters, numbers and special characters for additional security.
8. Monitor Bank Statements: The users, especially those who avail online banking facility, must regularly check his account activity for any unauthorised transactions and report them immediately.
9. Use Trusted Wi-Fi Networks: To ensure the safety and security of bank account, it is advisable that online banking on public Wi-Fi network should be avoided and instead, using a VPN for secure browsing should be considered.
10. Two-factor authentication (2FA): Every user should enable 2FA on email accounts as well as social media accounts such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc. to add additional layer of security if the scammers try to access them.
11. Report the Scam: Suspicious message received should be reported to the concerned local authorities or the relevant agencies which maybe police, cybercrime authorities, bank or TRAI, depending on the nature and type of cyber threat or fraud. Timely reporting helps the authorities/agencies track the scammers and forewarn others against falling into such traps.
12. Educate and Spread Awareness: It is vital for every citizen to stay informed about common scam tactics and share this knowledge with friends and family to help protect them as well. Such awareness can be spread by talking to family members, especially elderly people, who are often the target victims of the scammers; using social media to report common scams which will help other users to take preventive measures; and encouraging banks, companies and other entities to conduct awareness campaigns on cyber fraud.

Digital arrest scams often involve multiple collaborators which can result in serious legal consequences. Perpetrators of digital arrest commit criminal offences such as fraud, extortion, and impersonation. These actions are punishable under relevant sections of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (in place of Indian Penal Code) and Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Impersonating a police officer or government official is a serious offence. In many countries, it is a crime to pretend oneself as a law enforcement officer. Scammers use fear tactics to extract money from victims which falls under criminal offence of extortion and those involved are punishable with imprisonment and fines. Conspirators in these scams may face charges of conspiracy to commit fraud or related offences. Target victims who suffer financial losses can also pursue civil claims against the perpetrators, potentially leading to compensation awards. Given the cross-border nature of cyber offences, collaboration of international law enforcement is vital for tracking down, nabbing and punishing and the offenders.

The offence of digital arrest scam, though not expressly covered or punishable under the existing Indian penal laws, does comprise of criminals acts which are punishable under the penal provisions of Information Technology Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly Indian Penal Code). The relevant provisions dealing with these criminal acts are stated as under:

1. Identity Theft- Section 66C of the IT Act, 2000 provides for offences in cases of identity theft. A reading of Section 66C shows that whoever fraudulently or dishonestly make use of the electronic signature, password or any other unique identification feature of any other person is punishable under this section. Section 66C of the IT Act envisages punishment of imprisonment extending up to three years with fine up to INR 1 Lakh.
2. Cheating by Personation– The offence under Section 66D refers to cheating by personation which would necessarily imply impersonating an individual. Section 66D takes within its sweep use of computer resource for an act of cheating by impersonation. The actus reus that is common to the offences under Section 66D of IT Act and Section 318 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly Section 419 of IPC) is cheating by impersonation. Under BNS 2023, the offence is committed by direct impersonation and under Section 66D of the Information Technology Act, it is committed through digital media.
3. Penalty and Compensation for damage to computer, computer system, etc. – Section 43 Act provides penalty against any person without permission of the owner or any other person who is in-charge of a computer, computer system or computer network accesses or secure accesses to such computer, computer system or computer network and also downloads, copies or extracts any data, computer data base or information from such computer, computer system or computer network including information or data held or stored in any removable storage medium. Section 43 stipulates activities which are purely technical in nature, so as to constitute a violation of that section. The expressions “accesses or secures access”, “downloads”, “copies” or “extracts any data” used in that section in respect of a computer or computer system, contemplate an electronic breach or access to the system, whose digital footprint left behind on such system, becomes the evidence of such breach or access.
4. Breach of Confidentiality and Privacy– If any person who in pursuance of any powers conferred has secured access to electronic record, uses the said material without the consent of the person concerned, would become liable for punishment. The language of Section 72 of IT Act categorically states that it penalizes only persons acting in pursuance of any of the powers conferred under the IT Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder. The keywords in Section 72 state that the person who secures access to electronic records, books, registers, correspondence, information, document or other material has to be in pursuance of powers conferred under the Act or rules and regulations made thereunder.
5. Impersonation of Public Servant– Section 204 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly Section 170, IPC) applies to individuals who impersonate government officers, police personnel, judges, revenue officials, or any other public servants. The offense is punishable even if no harm is caused, as the mere act of impersonation is an attempt to deceive. The law addresses both physical and digital impersonation, making it relevant in cyber fraud cases. Section 204, BNS plays a vital role in maintaining the integrity of public institutions. Deterring fraudulent impersonation whether physically or digitally ensures that public offices and officials remain trustworthy and that their authority is not undermined by imposters​. It helps uphold the public trust by penalizing those who attempt to deceive the public by impersonating the officials.
6. Extortion- The offence of extortion, as defined in Section 308 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly Section 384 of IPC), is carried out by overpowering the will of the owner. One of the necessary ingredients of the offence of extortion is that the target victim must be induced to deliver any property or valuable security. Obtaining delivery of the property or valuable security of the person by forceful consent, i.e. by putting the person in fear of any injury, amounts to extortion. In other words, in extortion there is an element of consent obtained by putting the victim in fear of injury. In digital arrest cases, it is a common modus operandi of the cyber criminals to extort huge sums of money from innocent persons with the object of duping them and robbing them of their earnings/ savings.
7. Criminal Intimidation- A reading of the definition of ‘criminal intimidation’ would indicate that there must be an act of threatening to another person, of causing an injury to the person, reputation, or property of the person threatened, or to the person in whom the threatened person is interested and the threat must be with the intent to cause alarm to the person threatened or it must be to do any act which he is not legally bound to do or omit to do an act which he is legally entitled to do. A bare perusal of Section 351 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (formerly Section 506 of IPC) makes it clear that a part of it relates to criminal intimidation. Before an offence of criminal intimidation is made out, it must be established that the accused had an intention to cause alarm to the complainant. In digital arrest cases, the offence of criminal intimidation is said to be committed when the scammers threaten innocent persons of arrest, harming reputation or legal action, with the object of forcing them to make instant payments.

Besides the penal provisions which provide for punishment against the criminal acts which are often initiated with a view to commit digital arrest frauds, the Consumer Protection Act 2019 inter alia provides for improved protection of consumers involved in digital transactions. This Act protects individuals from online fraud and misleading legal notices. Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued advisories to, inter-alia, e-commerce companies to desist from manufacturing, selling or listing of products or services which are dangerous to life of the consumers which include selling and listing of car seat belt alarm stopper clips, illegal sale and facilitation of wireless jammers. The CCPA has also advised all marketplace e-commerce platforms to display information provided by sellers as per the E-Commerce Rules, 2020.

1. Delhi Extortion Case (2024)^[1]– Delhi Police busted a criminal network that used to extort money from individuals by posing as CBI officials. Operating under the guise of employees of courier firms like DHL or FedEx, the fraudsters targeted unsuspecting victims, falsely claiming that Mumbai Customs had seized a parcel registered in their name carrying MDMA narcotics drugs. The victims were coerced into video calls with individuals posing as CBI officials, showcasing meticulously crafted fake CBI office premises. After instilling fear by way of threats, the criminals blackmailed and extorted substantial amounts of money. The extorted funds were then transferred to foreign-based fraudsters. After receiving numerous complaints about the scam, Delhi police traced the suspected mastermind’s phone number and bank account details and conducted raids in different parts of Delhi-NCR, ultimately leading to the arrest of mastermind. The police also seized a car, eight mobile phones, one laptop, four cheque books and four ATM cards. The court ordered the return of approximately INR 21.3 lakh to the victim from three different accounts.
2. UPI Scam (Bangalore, 2024)^[2]– A scammer targeted Hardik Pandya, senior vice president at Unacademy in Bangalore with a fake UPI money transfer scam. The incident, which was shared by Hardik on X (formerly Twitter) on 20^th March 2024, involved a seemingly interested buyer contacting him after he listed an iPad on OLX. The conversation soon moved to WhatsApp where the culprit, posing as Dilip Vikas offered immediate payment. The scammer sent screenshots of a supposed money transfer exceeding the agreed amount by INR 10,000 and requested Mr Pandya to return the difference. However, upon checking his account, Pandya discovered he only received one rupee transaction likely used to verify account details. He refused to send the remaining amount and exposed the fake transfer and attempted scam.
3. RTGS Fraud (Chandigarh, 2024)^[3]– A woman residing in Sector 11, Chandigarh was scammed for over INR 80 lakhs by a cyber-criminal posing as a crime branch officer from Mumbai. On July 1, she received a call from an unknown number. The caller introduced himself as a Mumbai crime branch official, claiming that a mobile number issued against her Aadhaar card was implicated in 24 money laundering cases. He explained that these cases were being heard in the Supreme Court, highlighting the urgency and seriousness of the situation. The caller told her to lock herself in a room, not speak to anyone about the matter, and download Skype. Through the app, he shared what he claimed were Supreme Court orders, trying to convince her that she was in serious legal trouble. The caller assured her that to avoid immediate arrest, she needed to deposit INR 80 lakh into a secret surveillance account which would be refunded if she was found innocent after a detailed inquiry. Under immense pressure and fear of arrest, the woman said she dismantled her fixed deposits and transferred INR 80,31,764 through RTGS to the bank account provided by the caller. Realising that she might have been defrauded, she reported the matter to the Cyber Crime police station in Chandigarh. On her complaint, a case under Sections 319(2), 318(4), 338, 336(3), 340(2), 61(2), 111(1) and 111(3) of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita was registered.
4. Neurologist Case (Lucknow, 2024)^[4]– Sometime in August 2024, Ruchika Tandon, a Lucknow-based neurologist at one of India’s top hospitals, was scammed in what turned out be a high-stakes crime investigation. Scammers posing as officials from TRAI called Dr. Tandon, claiming that her number would be disconnected due to 22 complaints of harassing messages sent from it. Moments later, a man claiming to be a senior police officer took over and accused her of using a joint bank account with her mother to launder money for women and child trafficking. The alleged officer put her in digital custody and over the next one week, three men and a woman, posing as police officers and a judge, kept her under constant surveillance on Skype, with her phone camera running non-stop. They made her lie to hospital and relatives, claiming that she was too ill to work or meet anyone. Dr Tandon endured more 700 questions on her life and work, a staged trial, falsified court documents, and promises of a digital bail in exchange for her life savings. In the fake court, she was ordered to dress in white to show respect to the judge. In a desperate bid and dire need for freedom, she transferred her entire savings from several bank accounts to accounts controlled by the scammers, believing that she would be refunded after Government verification. But instead, she lost everything and the callers disconnected the line after receiving a huge sum amounting to 25 million rupees. On investigation, it was found out that the scammers, who were running an elaborate operation, are a bunch of educated men and women, including engineering graduates, cyber security experts and banking professionals and fluent in English and various Indian languages. The police have arrested 18 people from different parts of India, including one woman. About a third of the stolen money has been recovered in cash and seized in different bank accounts. Dr. Tandon has received only 1.2 million rupees out of the looted money so far. According to the investigating officer, the scammers were running an elaborate operation.
5. Delhi-based Journalist Case (New Delhi, 2024)^[5]– A Delhi-based author and journalist Nilanjan Mukhopadhyay narrowly escaped the scam in July 2024 but not before enduring a 28 hours long digital arrest. The scammers who contacted him claimed that his defunct bank account was used to launder money. Mr Mukhopadhyay grew suspicious when a caller asked him as to why he did not redeem his mutual funds. Somehow evading surveillance, he quietly informed his wife and friends who asked him to disconnect the internet modem and thus, saved him from getting scammed.
6. Textile Baron Case (New Delhi, 2024)^[6]– Textile baron and Chairman of the Vardhman Group, SP Oswal filed a complaint for being scammed by cyber criminals who orchestrated a fake Supreme Court hearing presided by a person impersonating Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud. Posing as federal investigators, fraudsters approached him as suspect in a money laundering case and organised an online court. During the fake Supreme Court hearing via Skype, the scammers introduced the fake judge as Justice Chandrachud. Though Mr. Oswal could not see his face but he could hear him talking and banging a hammer on the table. He was ordered to deposit INR 7 crore in a secret supervision account as a part of investigation which he transferred believing the written Supreme Court to be genuine. The police arrested two people on the complaint of the textile baron and recovered INR. 5.2 crores approx. from the accused. Police also claimed that it was India’s largest recovery so far in such cases. As per the case documents, Oswal was prey to the ‘digital arrest’ scam trending in the country, where fraudsters and blackmailers dupe money through WhatsApp calls and skype video callings by impersonating judges and police officers.
7. Techie Case (Bangalore, 2024)^[7]– A software engineer residing in GKVK Layout, Bangalore, fell prey to digital arrest fraud and ended up losing INR 11.8 crore. Posing as TRAI and police officials, scammers claimed that his Aadhaar was misused for illegal activities and money laundering. They threatened to arrest him and coerced him into transferring funds to various accounts for verification sometime between 25.11.2024 and 12.12.2024.
8. Homemaker Case (Mumbai, 2024)^[8]– A 77-year-old woman, who is a homemaker residing in South Mumbai, was duped of INR 3.8 crore by cybercriminals acting as an IPS officer and other law enforcement authorities in the longest-ever digital arrest. In a fake money laundering case, the woman was threatened with arrest and placed under digital arrest for a month. The scam started with a random WhatsApp call from an unidentified number informing her that the package she had shipped to Taiwan had been stopped. According to the caller, five passports, a bank card, four kg of clothing, and MDMA drugs were confiscated. The cyber-criminal also gave the woman a phony notice stamped by the Crime Branch to make the call appear authentic and further stated that her Aadhaar card credentials had been used in the alleged crime and that they would need to talk to a Mumbai police officer after she retorted that she had not sent any packages to anyone. To talk to a police officer, the woman was instructed to download the Skype program and not to disconnect the call or discuss the subject with anyone. A man joined the line and asked for her bank account information, identifying himself as Anand Rana, an IPS officer and soon after, another man introduced himself as George Mathew, an IPS from the financial department. As part of the investigation, he requested the woman to move funds to the shared bank accounts and if she was proven innocent, the scammers, who were impersonating police officers, promised to reimburse the money. For full day, the woman was asked to remain on the video call. Initially, she transferred INR 15 lakh, but this continued for a month, ultimately leading to a loss of INR 4 crore.
9. Online Scam Case (Thane, 2024)^[9]– A 54-year-old man residing in Thane city lost INR 59 lakh as cyber fraudsters coerced him into paying money by posing as Customs and CBI officials and threatening to take action against him for his alleged criminal activities. The incident took place between 26.11.2024 and 02.12.2025. The victim received multiple calls from a person who identified himself as a Customs officer from Delhi and told the victim that a parcel of his was seized and drugs were found inside it. The caller claimed that the case was being referred to the CBI for further investigation and instructed him to cooperate with the CBI and take another call from them. The victim then received another call, this time from a person claiming to be a CBI officer, who told him that his name was found to be linked to serious criminal activities, including human trafficking and money laundering and to resolve the matter and clear his name from the cases, he has to pay INR 59 lakh. Due to fear of alleged involvement in criminal activities, the victim transferred the amount into several bank accounts provided by the callers, who continued to coerce and pressurise him to complete the payments. However, after transferring the money, the victim realised that he was duped and approached the police to file a complaint. Based on his complaint, the Navpada police registered a case under Sections 318 and 319 of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the relevant penal provisions of Information Technology Act.
10. Social Media Influencer Case (New Delhi, 2025)^[10]– Ankush Bahuguna, a popular social media influencer, recounted his traumatic experience of being held hostage by scammers for 40 hours. He was cut off from his friends and family, losing both his money and peace of mind. It all began with an automated call about a supposed package delivery. Curious, he pressed “zero” to connect with support, a decision he described as the biggest mistake of his life. He was told by a supposed customer service representative that a package containing illegal substances, allegedly linked to his name, was destined for China. The representative claimed that an arrest warrant had been issued against him and that he would be detained unless he spoke to the police immediately. Under this pretext, Bahuguna was connected to a scammer impersonating a police officer. The fake officer accused him of serious crimes including money laundering and drug trafficking and warned him of immediate detention and mistreatment if he failed to cooperate. The influencer was then placed digital arrest during which he was forced to switch off all electronic devices, forbidden from contacting anyone and coerced into making financial transactions to multiple bank accounts. For 40 hours, the scammers deployed sophisticated tactics to manipulate and intimidate Bahuguna in which they played a psychological game of ‘good cop, bad cop,’ to breaking him down emotionally and mentally. They claimed that his family was in danger and that any attempt to reach out would lead to arrests. His family and friends, who had noticed the change in his behaviour, sent him a message warning about digital scams. Bahuguna managed to read the message and quickly realised that he was a victim after which he broke free from the scammers’ hold. Subsequently, he published a video on social media expressing gratitude to his friends for saving his life from the scammers.
11. Noida Family Case (2025)^[11]– A family in Noida was duped of over INR 1 crore after being kept under digital arrest for 5 days by some unknown people posing as TRAI officials. One of the family members, namely Chandrabhan Paliwal received a call from an unknown number on 01.02.2025 and then the caller asked him to contact the TRAI and threatened to block his SIM card if he does not do so. The caller told the complainant that his case was with the Cyber Crime Branch of Mumbai and about 10 minutes later a person claiming to be an Indian Police Service (IPS) officer made a ‘video call’ to Paliwal from Mumbai’s Kolava Police Station. The fake police officer accused him of extorting money and claimed that 24 cases were registered against him at different locations. The caller also digitally arrested his wife and daughter through video calls and threatened of arrest if they don’t pay the amount demanded. The complainant and his family under fear of arrest was forced to pay INR 1.10 crore to the accused. The case was registered and is under investigation.
12. Elderly Woman Case (Mumbai, 2025)^[12]– A 78-year-old woman in South Mumbai fell prey to cyber fraud and lost INR 1.5 crore to scammers posing as members of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Delhi Police. On December 5, the woman had couriered some food items to her daughter in the US. The next day, a person claiming to be Amit Kumar from a courier company called her and alleged that the package contained her Aadhaar card, expired passports, SBI credit cards, and contraband including MDMA drugs and USD 2000 in cash. Subsequently, calls from individuals posing as officials from the police department, Cyber Crime Branch and the Finance Department pressurized the elderly victim and threatened her with arrest and legal action. The victim was manipulated into giving her personal banking details. Over the next few days, she ended up transferring INR 1.15 crore to the accounts provided by the fraudsters on the pretext that the money was needed to secure her assets. The victim came to realise the cyber scam only when she discussed something about the incident with a close relative. Immediately, she reported the case which was registered and transferred to the South Cyber Cell of Mumbai Police.
13. Illegal Parcel Scam (Mumbai, 2025)^[13]– A 28-year-old corporate employee from Worli became one of the latest victims of an illegal parcel scam. The victim received calls from unknown individuals who introduced themselves as law enforcement officials, informed him about an illegal parcel confiscated in his name and convinced him that he was involved in a money laundering case. During the conversations, the scammers impersonated officials of the CBI, Enforcement Directorate and Mumbai Cyber Crime to escalate the case and pressurise the victim. To make the scheme more convincing, they even video-called the victim, showing a man dressed in a police uniform who claimed to be a senior officer and warned that he was implicated in a high-profile money laundering case. The scammers sent three forged letters bearing fake seals and case details, making the victim believe he was under investigation. Another fraudster, identifying himself as IPS officer Bal Singh Rajput, instructed him to transfer funds to an escrow account for verification. Fearing legal trouble, the victim fell for the trap and prematurely liquidated a Fixed Deposit worth INR 5 lakh at Canara Bank, transferred the funds as directed and subsequently sent INR 99,000 to a Bandhan Bank account and another INR 10 lakh to a Federal Bank account. After transferring INR 11 lakh, the victim tried calling the alleged officers back, but none of them answered.

1. Nishant Roy vs. State of U.P. (2025: AHC:7570)

A senior citizen, namely Kakoli Das Gupta, was digitally arrested and a sum of INR 1,48,30,000/- was syphoned from her Bank Accounts out of which a sum of INR 62 lakh was transferred to the account of Sandhu Enterprises being Account no. 42659149133 which the co-accused Amar Pal Singh and Karan Preet wife of Amar Pal Singh ran. A SIM recovered from the applicant was found connected to the Bank Account of Sandhu Enterprises (Account no. 42659149133). Upholding the order of the learned Additional Sessions Judge, the Hon’ble High Court rejected of bail to the applicant, was along with co-accused booked under Sections 384, 406, 419, 420, 506, 507 & 34 of IPC and Sections 66-C & 66-D of the IT Act. Taking note of the rise in cybercrimes across the country, the High Court of Allahabad observed:

A) In India, the rapid advancement of technology and the widespread adoption of digital infrastructure have led to a significant rise in cyber-crimes including phishing scams, ransomware attacks, cyber-stalking and data breaches. Initiatives like Digital India have accelerated the country’s’ digital transformation but they have also exposed vulnerabilities that cyber-criminals exploit.

B) Cyber-crime affects the people across the nation, irrespective of religion, region, education or class. Newspapers, Magazines, YouTube Channels and social media are brimming with ordeals of an uncountable number of innocent victims of the cyber-crime, who are defrauded of their hard-earned money. Such cyber-crimes are rampant in our society, and must be curbed.

C) Cybercrime is like a silent virus which has affected innumerable number of innocent victims who have been defrauded of their hard-earned money.

2. In Re: Tackling the issue of ‘Digital Arrest Scams’, Cyber Crimes and Saving the Innocent People from losing their Money and Lives

Terming “Digital Arrest Scams” as one of the most insidious forms of cybercrime in the age of rapid digital revolution, Rajasthan High Court took suo motu cognizance of the increasing trend of cybercrimes in India including digital arrest, directing the State and Central Government to submit a report on the steps being taken to curb the offence. The Court took notice of the several news reports reflecting the increase in cybercrimes and offences like digital arrests all over the world owing to which huge number of people lost their hard-earned money and also their lives. The Hon’ble Court defined and explained the term ‘digital arrest’ in paras 2, 6 and 7 of the judgment which are reproduced as under:

Para 2: “Digital arrest is a new and innovative tactic employed by scammers/cyber criminals to defraud gullible victims and extort money. The modus operandi in this cybercrime method is that fraudsters pose as law enforcement officials such as Police, Enforcement Directorate, CBI, etc. and manipulate them into believing that they have committed some serious crime.”

Para 6: “The term ‘digital arrest’ refers to a sophisticated and deceptive form of cyber fraud wherein criminals pose themselves as law enforcement officers or government officials to extort money from innocent persons. These scams employ manipulative psychological tactics, often leading victims to believe they have been implicated in serious criminal activities. Under the duress of threats and intimidation, victims are frequently coerced into paying huge amount of money to evade severe consequences such as arrest or incarceration.”

Para 7: “Digital arrest is the act of instilling fear and panic in individual, before extorting money from them under false pretenses, ultimately making such individuals a victim of cybercrime.”

Further elaborating on the digital arrest, the Bench of Justice Anoop Kumar Dhand opined as follows:

A) Over the last few years, cybercrimes and the offences like ‘digital arrest’ have increased worldwide and in our country thousands of innocent people have been trapped in it. They have lost huge amount of their hard-earned money and also lost their lives.

B) The scammers deceive the victim into believing that he or she has been put under digital arrest and will be prosecuted if he/she does not pay the scammers an amount of money as demanded by them. As per cyber experts, the fraudsters in this tactic use fear and sense of urgency against the victims and ensure that they part with their money before they realize that it is a scam.

C) Cyber criminals/scammers often use Artificial Intelligence (AI) to scare victims by mimicking voice of their loved ones and family members in order to extort money from them. They often force the naive victims to self-arrest or self- quarantine themselves, by tricking them into believing that they have been put under ‘digital arrest’ and cannot leave their house unless they pay to amount as demanded.

D) Scammers frequently exploit vulnerability gaps within the digital spaces, using themes of authority, urgency and fear to trick victims into revealing personal information or transferring money. Different countries have implemented variety of methods to combat this rising threat with varying level of success.

E) When the world is increasingly reliant on digital interactions, understanding the mechanisms behind digital arrest scams is essential for safeguarding oneself against such threats. Awareness and education are crucial in recognizing the signs of such attacks, ensuring that individuals remain vigilant and informed, thereby reducing the likelihood of falling victim to these scams.

The Court also pointed out different forms of international responses undertaken by countries worldwide to digital arrest scams including legislative and regulatory measures by Australia;^[14] public awareness campaigns by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3) in the USA;^[15] AI driven technological solutions by Singapore;^[16] toll-free platforms for reporting scams in Canada,[17] and international cooperation by organisations like INTERPOL and EUROPOL.^[18]

In order to curb ‘Digital Arrest’ several advisories have been issued at the Government level. The Central Government and various agencies have taken several steps to combat digital frauds and online impersonation scams, which inter alia including the following:

1. Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C)

The Ministry of Home Affairs has set up the ‘Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre’ (I4C) as an attached office to deal with all types of cybercrimes in the country, in a coordinated and comprehensive manner. MHA is closely working with other Ministries and their agencies like RBI and other organizations to counter these frauds. I4C is also providing inputs and technical support to Police Authorities of States/UTs for identifying and investigating the cases. The I4C has issued an alert to the police in all the States and Union Territories amid the surge in the cases of digital arrest. I4C provides a dedicated helpline (1930) to report cyber frauds and works with the law enforcement agencies to track scam operations. So far, I4C has proactively identified and blocked more than 1700 Skype IDs and 59,000 WhatsApp accounts used for Digital Arrest.

2. National Cyber Forensic Laboratory

The National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Investigation) has been established, as a part of the I4C, at New Delhi to provide initial cyber forensic assistance to Investigating Officers (IOs) of the State/UT Police. So far, NCFL (I) has provided its services to State Law Enforcement Agencies in around 9,000 cyber forensics like mobile forensics, memory forensics, Call Data Record (CDR) Analysis, etc. to help them in investigation of cases pertaining to cybercrimes. National Cyber Forensic Laboratory (Evidence), which has been set up at Hyderabad, provides the necessary forensic support in cases of evidence related to cybercrime, preserving the evidence and its analysis in line with the provisions of the Information and Technology Act and Evidence Act; and reduced turnaround time.

3. Comprehensive Awareness Program

The Central Government has launched a comprehensive awareness programme on digital arrest scams which inter-alia, include newspaper advertisements, announcement in Delhi Metros, use of social media influencers to create special posts, campaign through Prasar Bharti and electronic media, special programme on Aakashvani and participated in Raahgiri Function, New Delhi on 27.11.2024. The Government has published a Press Release on Alert against incidents of ‘Blackmail’ and ‘Digital Arrest’ by Cyber Criminals Impersonating State/UT Police, NCB, CBI, RBI and other Law Enforcement Agencies. To spread awareness on cybercrime, the Central Government has taken further steps which inter-alia include:

a) dissemination of messages through SMS, I4C social media accounts i.e. X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, Instagram, Telegram, Radio campaign;

b) engaging MyGov for publicity in multiple mediums;

c) organizing Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in association with States/UTs;

d) publishing of Handbook for adolescents/students;

e) digital displays on railway stations and airports across, etc.

4. Identification and Blocking of Spoofed Calls

The Central Government and Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have devised a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls displaying Indian mobile numbers which appear to be originating in India. Such international spoofed calls have been made by cyber criminals in recent cases of fake digital arrests, FedEx scams, impersonation as Government and police officials, etc. The Government has issued directions to TSPs for blocking of such incoming international spoofed calls. Till 15^th November 2024, more than 6.69 lakhs SIM cards and 1,32,000 IMEIs as reported by Police authorities have been blocked by the Central Government.

5. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

The Government has launched ‘National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal’ (https://cybercrime.gov.in) as a part of the I4C with a view to enable public to report incidents pertaining to all types of cybercrimes, with special focus on cybercrimes against women and children. Cybercrime incidents reported on this portal, their conversion into FIRs and subsequent action thereon are handled by the Law Enforcement Agencies of the State/Union Territory.

6. Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System

The ‘Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System’ was launched by the Government in the year 2021 for immediate reporting of financial frauds and to stop siphoning off funds by the fraudsters. So far, financial amount of more than INR 3431 crore has been saved in more than 9.94 lakh complaints.

7. Digital Fraud Alerts

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued guidelines to banks and payment platforms to monitor fraudulent transactions and introduced instant payment reversal systems for victims of fraud.

8. Helpline for Scam Calls

Department of Telecommunications (DoT) launched a dedicated number, i.e. 1909 for reporting of scam calls and SMS frauds and instructed telecom operators to block numbers involved in scams.

9. Social Media Crackdowns on Fake Police Accounts

Mumbai Police, Delhi Police as well as Police of several other cities regularly flag fake social media accounts impersonating officials and direct X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and WhatsApp to remove impersonation scams.

10. Cyber Swachhta Kendra (Cyber Hygiene Centre)

Initiated by Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-in), Cyber Swachhta Kendra provides alerts, cybersecurity awareness and digital safety tools.

As the online scams have become more sophisticated, it is very important for the people to be aware and vigilant. The Indian Government is working to strengthen information technology laws, but the individuals must also stay informed and cautious against falling prey to such fraudulent tactics by the cyber scammers. Cyber frauds are committed in numerous ways and by the time the public becomes aware of the patterns by which the cyber fraudsters carry out such frauds, they come up with new ways and methods to scam the common people. Digital arrest scam is one such new and intimidating as well deadly variant of cyber fraud by which the scammers so far have been successful in duping the people including the ones who otherwise have been aware and vigilant enough to keep themselves safe from other forms of cyber fraud. Digital arrest represents a highly sophisticated scam that can snare even well-educated individuals.

Digital arrest scams pose a significant threat in our interconnected world, necessitating a multi-faceted approach to combat them effectively. It is pertinent to note that though some of the criminal acts forming part of digital arrest fraud are punishable under IT Act, these legislations do not expressly provide legislative protection against this form of cyber fraud. The essential ingredients of and real-life occurrences pertaining to digital arrest scams clearly indicate that such frauds involve not a single act but a series of acts or offences in varied patterns.

The cyber scammers at most, may be booked for those acts/offences which are committed as one of the steps towards digital arrest, however, without legislative backing, they would escape stringent punishment as this form of fraud is not punishable as a whole. In other words, while the individual ingredients of digital arrest fraud, i.e. impersonation, cheating, threats of arrest, extortion, identity theft are ‘singularly’ punishable under the relevant penal laws but when resorted to by the scammers as modus operandi of digital arrest, the ‘collective’ offence as a whole is not punishable under existing penal laws. It is this ‘legislative bite’ which the IT Act in its current form is lacking and thereby, inadequate to counter the rampage of this new form of cyber fraud and that itself calls for inclusion and recognition of digital arrest fraud as a punishable offence under IT Act. The requirement of legal intervention by way of amendment assumes greater importance in view of the fact that many countries such as Australia, USA, Singapore, Canada have bolstered their legal frameworks to address digital arrest scams. For instance, in Australia, the Cybercrime Act was amended to increase the penalties for telecommunication fraud scams, which helped authorities to act against scammers more effectively. In 2021, Australian authorities arrested a group of individuals who were orchestrating a large-scale scam operation that defrauded victims of over AUD 3 million.  Thus, statutory inclusion of digital arrest as a punishable offence would be a much-needed deterrent against the cyber scammers who till now have been scamming innocent people and depriving them of their hard-earned income/savings without any fear of getting caught, arrested or punished by the law enforcement authorities.

Legislative measures apart, the responses to digital arrest scams include public awareness campaigns by Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Internet Crime Complaint Centre (IC3) in the USA; AI driven technological solutions by Singapore; toll-free platforms for reporting scams in Canada, and international cooperation by organisations like INTERPOL and EUROPOL. Towards curbing digital arrests, the Government of India has issued several advisories and taken numerous steps as already discussed. In the wake of rampant cases of digital arrest scam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi issued a warning to the public regarding this scam, urging them to report any such incidents to the cyber helpline. Additionally, the Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) has provided a list of methods by which these fraudsters carry out online scams, including the digital arrest scam.

The Central Government is working to strengthen information technology laws, but it is imperative for individuals also stay informed and be cautious against falling prey to such fraudulent tactics by the cyber scammers. Cyber criminals are using advanced tactics like spoofed calls, deepfake videos, and fake legal notices to manipulate victims.  However, by understanding the red flags and legal protections and timely reporting such incidents to cyber authorities, individuals can defend themselves against such frauds which will enable the officials of cyber authorities catch hold of the faceless scammers hiding behind the screens.  Ultimately, empowering individuals with the knowledge and tools to resist such scams will be paramount. Though several steps have been taken at the various levels of the Government but in order to curb out the current and dangerous situation, more serious steps are required to be taken by all the stakeholders. Further, in light of the fact that various nations have adopted legislation, public awareness campaigns, technological innovations and/or collaborative initiatives to mitigate the risks associated with these scams, the shared experiences of and strategies adopted other countries will serve as vital learning points in this ongoing battle against digital arrests.