Digital Arrest Scam (via video call) — How to Identify & Stay Safe

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team · Updated May 28, 2026

Severity: CRITICAL | View Full Scam Details

Beware of the Digital Arrest Scam via Video Call in India — 2026 Warning

Digital Arrest Scam via video call is a critical and rising threat in India, where fraudsters impersonate officials to falsely accuse and extort money from unsuspecting victims.

What Is the Digital Arrest Scam (via video call)?

The Digital Arrest Scam via video call is a new dangerous form of cyber fraud reported increasingly across India. In this scam, fraudsters use video calling apps such as WhatsApp, impersonating police officers, government officials, or bank authorities. They claim the victim is involved in serious criminal activities like fraud, money laundering, or Aadhaar misuse and threaten immediate arrest unless a ransom payment is made.

This scam mainly targets middle-aged and elderly individuals who may be less familiar with video calling technology but can be easily intimidated when confronted with a "real person" on screen showing fake official ID proofs or badges. The use of video calls to simulate authenticity has made this scam especially convincing and frightening. Cases have been reported from multiple Indian states, prompting advisories from government-backed cybercrime units like CERT-In and the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C).

Although no official RBI advisory specifically calls out this scam, the Reserve Bank of India has repeatedly cautioned against phishing and social engineering attempts involving bank credentials, which fraudsters may use when extorting money in these scams.

How This Scam Works — Step by Step

1. Initial Contact: The scam begins with an unsolicited video call on WhatsApp or similar apps, often from a number that looks like an official government or police helpline. The caller ID may be masked or resemble a local police station’s number.

2. Impersonation and Threat: On the video call, the fraudster appears dressed or staged as a government official. They show fake ID cards or police badges and use intimidating language, claiming the victim is involved in crimes such as Aadhaar misuse, fraudulent transactions through UPI, or data theft.

3. Urgency and Fear: The caller insists that the victim must cooperate immediately or face arrest and legal action. This sense of urgency pressures victims into compliance.

4. Demand for Payment: The fraudster demands payment as a “bail” or “fine" via instant methods like UPI transfers, Google Pay, or even cryptocurrency. Victims are instructed to send money to specific UPI IDs or accounts controlled by the scammers.

5. Manipulation to Release More Funds: Sometimes, multiple calls follow, with increasingly elaborate stories demanding more payments, claiming to “release” the victim or “close” the case.

6. Cutting Off Contact: After receiving the money, the fraudster disconnects all communication. Victims find out later that no official case or arrest notice exists.

Real Warning Signs to Watch For

• Unsolicited video calls, especially from unknown or masked numbers.
• Callers claiming to be police or government officials but bypassing official channels.
• Threats of immediate arrest, detention, or legal action without prior written notice.
• Requests for immediate payment via UPI or mobile wallets.
• Use of unofficial ID cards or badges shown on screen.
• Refusal to provide verifiable contact information or office addresses.
• Pressure to keep the call and conversation secret or avoid consulting family or friends.

What Happens to Victims

Victims of the Digital Arrest Scam often suffer serious financial losses amounting to thousands or sometimes lakhs of rupees. Since payments are usually made through UPI or mobile wallets, reversing these transactions can be difficult once the money reaches the scammer’s account. Additionally, some victims report follow-up harassment and repeated calls demanding more money, causing emotional distress and anxiety.

There is also a risk of Aadhaar details or mobile SIM information being misused, especially if the victim shares confidential data under duress. Such misuse can lead to unauthorized loans, credit card applications, or new SIM activations, making recovery and investigation more complicated.

What RBI and CERT-In Say

While RBI has issued guidelines warning against unsolicited calls and phishing attempts aimed at bank customers, CERT-In and I4C actively monitor rising cybercrime patterns, including scams involving government impersonation and digital extortion. The Indian Cyber Crime Helpline (number 1930) is specially designated for reporting such fraud attempts. Both CERT-In and RBI recommend never sharing banking information, OTPs, or payments based on threatening calls or messages.

Authorities advise verifying suspicious claims directly through official police stations or government websites. RBI’s Customer Education section also emphasizes the safety of UPI transactions and warns users to authenticate all payment requests carefully.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Do not answer unsolicited video calls from unknown numbers, especially if they claim to be officials.
2. Never share OTPs, Aadhaar numbers, bank account details, or PINs over any call or video chat.
3. Verify official claims by independently calling known, official police or bank helpline numbers.
4. Do not trust video ID cards or badges shown during calls — these can be easily faked.
5. Avoid making immediate payments on demand, especially using UPI or wallets.
6. Inform family members or friends immediately if you receive such calls.
7. Install official RBI or CERT-In recommended security apps and update your phone’s software regularly.

What to Do If You’ve Been Targeted

• Immediately block the caller and cease all contact.
• Report the incident to your local police station and cybercrime cells.
• Lodge an official complaint on the national cybercrime reporting portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
• Call the Indian Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 for assistance and guidance.
• Contact your bank’s customer care or RBI helpline to check for any suspicious transactions and request blocking of compromised accounts or UPI IDs.
• Change passwords for your bank accounts, UPI apps, and Aadhaar-related services.
• Watch your credit reports for any unauthorized loans or credit applications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can the police really call me on WhatsApp video for an arrest?
No. In India, police and government officials do not conduct arrests or investigations through unsolicited video calls. Official communication happens through written notices or in-person visits.

Q: What should I do if a caller demands payment for a crime I didn’t commit?
Do not make any payment. Disconnect the call immediately and report the incident to your local police and the cybercrime helpline 1930.

Q: Is it possible to get back money sent via UPI in such scams?
UPI transactions are typically instantaneous and irreversible. However, you should contact your bank immediately to report fraud and seek assistance. Filing a police complaint may also help initiate investigations.

For any suspicious messages or calls, verify the details safely at BharatSecure.app and report fraud cases to 1930, India’s official cybercrime helpline.

Disclaimer: This article describes a pattern of fraud reported in public sources for public-safety awareness. It is not legal, financial, or medical advice. To request correction or removal of any content, write to hello@bharatsecure.app.