Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call)

डिजिटल गिरफ्तारी स्कैम

INDIA — By BharatSecure Threat Intelligence Team ·

Verdict: DANGEROUS | Risk Score: 9/10 | Severity: MEDIUM

Category: Government

How Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call) Works

  1. Step 1: Scammers call victims posing as police, CBI, customs officers or court officials using fake numbers
  2. Step 2: Victims are convinced to move to video calls on Skype, WhatsApp or other platforms for 'identity verification'
  3. Step 3: During video call, scammers display fake documents, arrest warrants, or police station backgrounds
  4. Step 4: Victims are isolated by instructing them not to contact anyone and show their surroundings on video
  5. Step 5: Using threats of jail, asset seizure, and legal consequences, scammers coerce victims into transferring money

How This Scam Works — Detailed Explanation

The Digital Arrest Scam, also known as the Fake Police Cybercrime Call, is a dangerous scam that has become increasingly common across India. Scammers usually start by calling unsuspecting victims from unknown or masked numbers, falsely claiming to be police officers or cybercrime investigators. They often say that the victim is involved in some kind of cybercrime or financial fraud, which immediately creates panic and fear. To make the call seem more official, these fraudsters may use fake police phone numbers or manipulate caller ID to show a government agency number.

Once the victim is on the call, the scammers ask them to switch to a video call. They claim this is to verify the victim’s identity or to show evidence of the alleged crime. During the video call, they may instruct the victim to show their surroundings or personal items to ‘prove’ their identity. The fraudsters use these visuals to intimidate the person further and gain control over the situation. In some cases, they insist the victim stay isolated and avoid talking to family or friends to prevent being exposed.

The scammers threaten the victim with immediate arrest, jail time, or seizure of assets like bank accounts, Aadhaar details, or mobile phones if they don’t cooperate. To ‘resolve’ the issue quickly, they push the victim to transfer money through UPI apps, mobile banking, or even buy e-gift cards. Some scammers may ask for OTPs or access to mobile banking apps, pretending this is necessary to clear the case. Once the victim complies, they drain their bank accounts or steal personal data for further fraud.

Victims are often left financially ruined and emotionally traumatized. Because the calls appear official and the scammers use government-related jargon, many people believe these threats are real. However, actual police officers or cybercrime officials in India NEVER arrest anyone over a phone or video call. If you receive such a call, it is crucial to recognize the scam and report it immediately to help protect yourself and your community.

Who Does Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call) Target?

General public, especially those unfamiliar with proper legal procedures and vulnerable to authority-based intimidation

Red Flags — How to Identify Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call)

  • Unsolicited calls from unknown numbers claiming to be law enforcement
  • Requests to move to video calls for identity verification
  • Threats of immediate arrest, jail time, or asset seizure
  • Instructions to isolate yourself and not contact family or friends
  • Demands to show surroundings on video or make immediate money transfers

What To Do If You Encounter Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call)

  1. Call 1930 immediately to report any suspicious or threatening cybercrime calls claiming to be police.
  2. Do not switch to video calls or share your surroundings or personal information with unknown callers.
  3. Avoid transferring money through UPI, mobile banking, or any other means under pressure from callers.
  4. Inform family members or close friends about the call to get a second opinion and avoid isolation.
  5. Block and report the phone number on WhatsApp and your mobile to reduce the risk of further contact.

How to Report Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call) 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 (Fake Police Cybercrime Call)?
DANGEROUS: Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call) is a confirmed scam in India. DANGEROUS scam! Police never arrest via video calls. Report fake cybercrime calls to 1930. Learn red flags and protection steps.
How does Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call) work?
Step 1: Scammers call victims posing as police, CBI, customs officers or court officials using fake numbers Step 2: Victims are convinced to move to video calls on Skype, WhatsApp or other platforms for 'identity verification' Step 3: During video call, scammers display fake documents, arrest warrants, or police station backgrounds Step 4: Victims are isolated by instructing them not to contact anyone and show their surroundings on video Step 5: Using threats of jail, asset seizure, and legal consequences, scammers coerce victims into transferring money
How to protect yourself from Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call)?
Call 1930 immediately to report any suspicious or threatening cybercrime calls claiming to be police. Do not switch to video calls or share your surroundings or personal information with unknown callers. Avoid transferring money through UPI, mobile banking, or any other means under pressure from callers. Inform family members or close friends about the call to get a second opinion and avoid isolation.
How to report Digital Arrest Scam (Fake Police Cybercrime Call) 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.

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