Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users

How Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users Works

Overview: This cruel scam preys on the fear of legal trouble. Posing as police officials or government agencies, scammers claim you’re under investigation for financial crimes and threaten 'digital arrest' unless you urgently verify your UPI or bank transactions. Many unsuspecting Indians, particularly the elderly, panic and end up handing over sensitive details or authorising UPI transfers to the scammer’s account. How It Works: The scam begins with a menacing call, sometimes on WhatsApp video, where fraudsters show fake IDs and use official-sounding language. Victims are told that money laundering or illegal transactions have been flagged on their account. To avoid 'immediate arrest,' they’re instructed to share OTPs, confirm UPI payments, or move money to a 'safe account' for 'verification.' Often, the fraudster pressures the victim to stay on call and not speak to anyone else until the transfer is completed. India Angle: This scam is gaining ground in cities like Ahmedabad, Delhi, and Bengaluru, targeting the elderly, homemakers, and less digitized users. WhatsApp video calls make the scam feel more authentic, with fraudsters using Hindi or local languages. The latest RBI UPI transfer delay rules are falsely cited to add urgency. Real Examples: - Call: “This is Inspector Sharma from Cyber Cell. Your account is linked to illegal activity. To avoid arrest, you must transfer your funds for verification now.” - WhatsApp: “Digital arrest warrant issued. Click to confirm your UPI activity and avoid legal action.” Red Flags: 1. Threats of immediate legal or police action 2. Requests to transfer funds for 'safe-keeping' 3. Callers refuse to end call or allow an outside opinion 4. Demands for UPI PIN/OTP sharing Protective Measures: No genuine police or government official will ever ask for your banking details, UPI PIN, or to transfer money over the phone. Hang up and contact your local police station or cybercrime unit for verification. Always keep family informed if you receive such threats. If Victimised: Call 1930 immediately, inform your bank, and lodge a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Provide all call details and numbers used. Related Scams: Phoney income tax officer payment frauds, 'safe account' account transfer scams, fake legal notice emails.

Visual Intelligence:

BharatSecure's AI has identified this as a used in scams targeting Indian users.

Who Does Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users Target?

General public across India

Red Flags — How to Identify Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users

• Calls or WhatsApp video warnings about immediate arrest
• Dem

What To Do If You Encounter Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users

1. Do not click any links or share personal information
2. Block and report the sender immediately
3. Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930
4. Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to Report Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users in India

• Call 1930 — National Cyber Crime Helpline (24x7)
• File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in
• Contact your bank immediately if money was lost
• Call RBI helpline: 14440 for banking fraud

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users?

Overview: This cruel scam preys on the fear of legal trouble. Posing as police officials or government agencies, scammers claim you’re under investigation for financial crimes and threaten 'digital arrest' unless you urgently verify your UPI or bank transactions. Many unsuspecting Indians, particularly the elderly, panic and end up handing over sensitive details or authorising UPI transfers to the scammer’s account. How It Works: The scam begins with a menacing call, sometimes on WhatsApp video

How does Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users work?

Overview: This cruel scam preys on the fear of legal trouble. Posing as police officials or government agencies, scammers claim you’re under investigation for financial crimes and threaten 'digital arrest' unless you urgently verify your UPI or bank transactions. Many unsuspecting Indians, particularly the elderly, panic and end up handing over sensitive details or authorising UPI transfers to the

How to protect yourself from Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users?

Do not click any links or share personal information Block and report the sender immediately Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 Inform your bank if financial details were shared

How to report Digital Arrest Scam Targeting UPI Users in India?

Report to cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline). You can also contact your local police station's cyber cell.

Verify Any Suspicious Message

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