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Digital arrest scams are a rising form of cybercrime where fraudsters pose as police or government officers and threaten people with fake legal cases or arrests over video calls or WhatsApp. This blog explains how these scams work, which new laws under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 apply, and what immediate legal steps you can take if you or someone you know becomes a target. You’ll also learn how to file a cybercrime complaint and real case examples from India.

Introduction: The Rise of Digital Arrest Scams in India

Imagine getting a video call from someone in uniform who claims to be from the “Cyber Crime Department.” They say your Aadhaar card is linked to a drug-smuggling case or a money-laundering ring, and unless you cooperate, you’ll be “digitally arrested.” Within minutes, panic takes over , and that’s exactly how victims lose lakhs.

In 2025, “digital arrest” scams have become one of India’s fastest-growing cyber-frauds. Criminals impersonate police officers, CBI agents, or RBI officials using deepfakes, fake notices, and intimidation tactics. Victims are often asked to sit in a “video interrogation room,” threatened with fake legal charges, and then coerced into transferring money for “verification” or “bail.”

Recent cases show just how serious the trend has become. In Gujarat, three people were arrested in Gandhinagar for running an ₹11 crore scam where victims were told their phones and accounts were under “digital surveillance”, as reported by Times of India, Oct 2024.

Even educated professionals are falling victim. A Madhya Pradesh woman recently lost ₹14 lakh to a Thailand-based gang posing as Mumbai police, as reported by NDTV, Aug 2024.

These scams thrive because they weaponize fear of authority and trust in official-looking communication. As more Indians use digital payments and government IDs online, fraudsters find new ways to exploit them.

What Is a Digital Arrest Scam and Why It Works

A digital arrest scam is a new-age cybercrime where fraudsters pretend to be police officers, government officials, or bank investigators to trick people into believing they’re accused of a serious crime. The scammers then threaten to “digitally arrest” the victim unless they pay money or share sensitive details.

Here’s how it usually unfolds:

The Fake Call: The victim receives a call from someone claiming to be from the Cyber Crime Department, CBI, or RBI.

The Fear Tactic: The caller says your name or Aadhaar number is linked to an illegal activity, often money laundering or drugs.

The “Verification” Trap: You’re told to stay on a video call while they “verify” your identity. The background often shows fake police logos or officers in uniform.

The Demand: You’re asked to transfer money for “case clearance,” “bail,” or “document verification.”

The Isolation: Scammers instruct victims not to talk to anyone and keep them on call for hours, creating panic and control.

Many victims describe the experience as terrifying. These scams are psychological crimes more than technical ones, they exploit fear, confusion, and authority. Fraudsters use deepfake videos, fake PDFs with government seals, and even WhatsApp numbers with police profile pictures. They often spoof phone numbers to make them appear official.

Cybersecurity experts note that these scams work because of three key factors:

·      Lack of public awareness of legal procedures.

·      Overtrust in digital communication.

·      Emotional panic triggered by official-looking threats.

Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, such acts amount to cheating by personation and fraudulent inducement, which are punishable with imprisonment and fine. They also fall under Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000, which criminalize identity theft and cheating through digital means.

Latest Case Studies from India (2024-2025)[1]

₹11 Crore ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

Three men from Gandhinagar were arrested for allegedly running a large-scale cyber-fraud scheme, impersonating officials from agencies like CBI, TRAI, SEBI and RBI. They coerced victims into believing their Aadhaar numbers or bank accounts were linked to serious crimes and forced transfers. One victim alone lost about ₹11.42 crore.

₹39 Lakh Scam on a 78-Year-Old Retired Man

In August 2025, a 78-year-old retired man was duped of nearly ₹39 lakh after scammers posing as officers of the Mumbai Crime Branch and the CBI convinced him he was under “digital arrest” for money-laundering. They used video calls showing fake court proceedings and demanded funds for “inspection.”

Retired BHEL Supervisor Loses ₹68.3 Lakh

A 71-year-old former BHEL supervisor was targeted in a 70-day ordeal in which fraudsters posed as CBI and Delhi Police officers, claimed his SIM/Aadhaar were linked to crimes and forced transfers. The scam involved threats of terrorism and human-trafficking charges, and the total loss was around ₹68.3 lakh.

Why It Matters to You

You might think, “Who would fall for this?” But the truth is, anyone can.

Digital arrest scams are built on fear, not foolishness. They target our instinct to cooperate with authority and avoid trouble. Once someone hears “your Aadhaar is linked to a money-laundering case,” panic takes over, and that’s when logic slips.

1. Ordinary People Are the Main Targets

Fraudsters don’t go after tech experts or criminals; they focus on everyday citizens, especially senior citizens, women working from home, and entrepreneurs whose businesses rely on digital payments.

A retired teacher, a startup founder, or a homemaker, each fits the scammer’s ideal profile because they usually have clean records and fear losing their reputation.

2. The Illusion of Authority Works

These criminals use logos of agencies like CBI, RBI, or Mumbai Cyber Cell, send fake summons, and even make video calls from rooms made to look like interrogation cells. The scam feels official enough that even well-educated victims believe it.

In psychological terms, this is called the “authority bias”, our brain’s natural tendency to obey people in uniform or official positions.

3. Why Digital India Makes It Easier

India’s rapid digitization, Aadhaar, UPI, PAN-linked banking, has made financial systems efficient, but also easier to exploit. Scammers use this integration to make their threats sound credible. When someone says, “Your Aadhaar and bank account are under surveillance,” it feels real because, in many ways, our data is interconnected.

4. Emotional Triggers and Psychological Manipulation

Fraudsters exploit three emotions:

Fear – of arrest or defamation

Urgency – “you must act now or face charges”

Isolation – they tell victims “don’t inform anyone, this is confidential.”

That isolation cuts off the chance to get a second opinion, exactly what the scammer wants.

Is It Cybercrime? What Laws Apply?

When someone pretends to be a police officer or government authority to extort money, it’s not just a scam, it’s a serious criminal offence under Indian law. Digital arrest scams combine impersonation, cheating, and extortion, all of which fall under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023) and the Information Technology Act, 2000 (IT Act).

Let’s break it down simply.

1. Impersonation and Cheating

Under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023:

Section 318 (Cheating) , covers acts where a person deceives another to deliver property or money.

Section 319 (Cheating by personation), applies when someone falsely pretends to be another person (like a police officer or government official).

Section 326 (Forgery of electronic records), punishes creating fake digital summons, seals, or documents used in these scams.

In digital arrest scams, criminals pretend to be from agencies like the CBI, ED, or Police, send forged summons through email or WhatsApp, and deceive victims into transferring money to “secure” their accounts. These actions clearly fall under these provisions.

2. Criminal Intimidation and Extortion

Fraudsters often threaten victims with arrest, legal action, or public defamation.

Such behaviour is punishable under:

Section 308 of the BNS – Extortion: intentionally putting a person in fear of injury to obtain money.

Section 351 of the BNS – Criminal intimidation: threatening another to cause alarm or force them to act against their will.

When the threat is made using electronic communication (like video calls or messages), these sections apply alongside cybercrime provisions.

3. Cyber Frauds and IT Act Provisions

Since the scam happens online, it is also covered by the Information Technology Act, 2000:

Section 66D – Cheating by personation using computer resources.

Section 66C – Identity theft, when scammers use stolen names, photos, or digital signatures.

Section 67 – covers transmission of obscene or threatening content, if used in coercion.

Together, the BNS and IT Act ensure such offenders can be prosecuted under both traditional and cyber laws.

4. FIR and Jurisdiction

Victims can file a cybercrime complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the nearest Cyber Police Station. Importantly, under Indian law, the FIR can be registered where the victim resides, even if the scammer is in another state or country.

Once registered, the police can seek help from CERT-In and banks to freeze the transaction and trace IP addresses.

What To Do Immediately If You’re a Victim

If someone calls you claiming to be from the police, CBI, or any government body and demands money, pause, don’t panic.

You are not under arrest, and no genuine officer will ever demand payment online.

Here’s exactly what to do if you’ve already interacted or shared details.

1. Stop All Communication

The moment you suspect it’s a scam, cut off the call or chat.

Do not respond to further messages or share OTPs, screenshots, or bank information.

Block the number immediately , but take screenshots before doing so (for evidence).

2. Collect and Preserve Evidence

Save everything, screenshots, call logs, emails, WhatsApp messages, bank statements, and the caller’s display picture or video.

These will be critical for your FIR and for tracing the money trail.

If you made a transfer, note the transaction ID, account number, and UPI ID.

Tip: Save all data to a secure drive or email it to yourself so it’s backed up safely.

3. Report on the National Cybercrime Portal

Go to the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal

Select “Report Financial Fraud” and upload all details.

You’ll receive a complaint number , this will help you follow up with local police later.

You can also call the Cybercrime Helpline Number 1930, which operates 24x7.

If the transaction was recent (within hours), the helpline can alert banks to freeze the transfer immediately.

4. File a Police Complaint or FIR

Visit your nearest cyber police station or even a regular police station , the law allows FIR registration in your own city.

Submit:

·      All digital proof (screenshots, call logs, etc.)

·      Transaction records

·      A written statement of events

·      Mention the relevant sections, Section 66C, 66D of IT Act and Sections 318, 319, 351 of BNS (2023). These sections cover cheating, impersonation, and extortion through digital means.

5. Notify Your Bank and Payment Apps

Contact your bank or payment platform (Paytm, Google Pay, PhonePe) immediately and report the fraudulent transaction.

Under RBI guidelines, banks are required to act swiftly if fraud is reported within a short time.

Ask them to initiate a “transaction freeze” request under the Cyber Safe Framework.

6. Get Legal Assistance

Legal professionals play a key role here. A lawyer can:

·      Draft a detailed FIR or cyber complaint that ensures stronger investigation.

·      Communicate with the cybercrime unit and banks for fund recovery.

·      File a Section 156(3) CrPC application if police delay FIR registration.

·      Send legal notices to telecom companies or intermediaries for data logs.

7. Spread Awareness , Don’t Feel Ashamed

In 2024 alone, citizens have lost over 22845 crores to cyber criminals. Scammers are professionals using AI-generated video calls and fake government documents. Reporting helps protect others and alerts authorities to new patterns.

How a Lawyer Can Help

After being targeted in a digital arrest scam, many victims are left anxious and confused. The legal maze , FIRs, jurisdiction issues, or unresponsive cyber cells , can feel overwhelming. That’s exactly where a good lawyer steps in.

1. Understanding the Case and Identifying Applicable Laws

A cybercrime lawyer begins by identifying what offences apply under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023, and the Information Technology Act, 2000.

Depending on your facts, the case may involve:

Cheating (Section 318 BNS)

Impersonation (Section 319 BNS)

Extortion (Section 351 BNS)

Cheating by personation using computer resources (Section 66D IT Act)

Proper classification helps ensure the FIR includes all correct sections , a crucial step for faster investigation.

2. Drafting and Filing the FIR or Complaint

Many FIRs get rejected or delayed simply because they’re unclear or incomplete.

A lawyer can:

·      Draft a detailed complaint narrating the scam chronologically.

·      Attach screenshots, chat logs, and transaction details as digital evidence.

·      Submit the complaint both online at cybercrime.gov.in and physically at your nearest police station.

·      If the police refuse to register the FIR, your lawyer can move an application under Section 156(3) CrPC before the Magistrate, compelling the authorities to act.

3. Coordinating with Cybercrime and Banking Authorities

Most digital arrest scams involve money trail tracing across multiple accounts or states. Lawyers act as your representative when communicating with:

·      Cyber Crime Cell for IP or account tracing.

·      CERT-In (Computer Emergency Response Team) for technical assistance.

·      Banks and Payment Gateways for fund freezes.

4. Managing Digital Evidence and Privacy

Cyber lawyers also understand digital forensics, how to preserve, authenticate, and present online data. For instance:

Ensuring screenshots or voice recordings meet Section 63 of the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam requirements (admissibility of electronic evidence).

Helping prepare data authenticity certificates to strengthen your claim.

This step is essential because most cybercrime cases collapse when victims can’t prove that the evidence hasn’t been tampered with.

5. Representing You in Recovery and Compensation Proceedings

If the scam amount is large or the fraudster is caught, lawyers help victims file:

·      Consumer complaints (under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019) for deficiency in digital services.

·      Civil suits for recovery of lost funds.

·      Applications before cyber tribunals or appellate authorities when banks fail to act on time.

Conclusion

Digital arrest scams are a chilling reminder of how fear can be weaponized in the digital age. What begins as a simple video call or WhatsApp message can quickly spiral into emotional panic and financial loss. Yet, the law in India is firmly on the side of victims. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, along with the Information Technology Act, 2000, provides clear legal protection against cheating, impersonation, and extortion through digital means. The key lies in awareness, knowing how to identify such frauds and acting fast when you do.

If you ever find yourself in this situation, remember that you are not alone and that genuine legal help is available. SolvLegal offers an accessible way to connect with experienced cyber-law professionals who can guide you from the very first step, verifying fake communications, helping you file a proper FIR, coordinating with cybercrime authorities, and securing your digital evidence. Their platform blends legal expertise with technology to make the process less stressful and more transparent.

In short, don’t let fear dictate your response. Pause, verify, and seek help. Scammers thrive on silence and confusion; the law and platforms like SolvLegal thrive on clarity and action.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

1. What is a digital arrest scam?

A digital arrest scam is when fraudsters pose as police or government officials on video calls or WhatsApp, claiming you’re involved in a crime. They use fake IDs, forged summons, or “cyber investigation” threats to make you panic and pay money to avoid arrest.

2. Can police really arrest someone over a video call?

No. In India, no arrest or legal summons can happen over a call or message. Genuine officers always send official notices and never ask for payments online. If anyone threatens arrest digitally, it’s a scam , hang up and report it.

3. What laws apply to digital arrest scams in India?

These scams fall under multiple laws:

Sections 318, 319, 351 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 for cheating, impersonation, and extortion.

Sections 66C and 66D of the Information Technology Act, 2000 for identity theft and online fraud.

4. What should I do if I already transferred money to the scammer?

Immediately call the Cybercrime Helpline 1930 and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Contact your bank to request a transaction freeze and keep all digital evidence, screenshots, chats, and transaction details.

5. How long does it take for the cyber police to act on a complaint?

Response time depends on the case, but action usually starts within a few hours if reported quickly. Fast reporting helps authorities trace the funds before they’re moved out of the system.

6. Can SolvLegal help me if I’ve been scammed online?

Yes. SolvLegal connects you with verified cybercrime lawyers who specialize in online frauds and digital arrest cases. They help you draft FIRs, file complaints, and coordinate with banks or police, all while ensuring your rights are protected and your evidence is properly handled.

Related article:

1.    Police Refused to File Your FIR? Here’s What You Can Do Legally.

2.    What Happens After Filing an FIR in India?- A Simple Guide

Author: Kunal Singh is a second-year B.Sc. LL.B. (Hons.) student at National Forensic Sciences University, Gandhinagar. LinkedIn

About the Contributor: Gaurav Saxena is the founder of SolvLegal, where he brings together dual expertise in engineering and law to guide clients through complex corporate and compliance matters. With a strong grounding in the law of contracts, corporate law, intellectual property, IT law and data privacy, he works with startups and established businesses alike to structure agreements, advise on governance and safeguard innovation.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for general educational purposes and does not constitute a legal advice. Readers are encouraged to seek professional counsel before acting on any information herein. SolvLegal, the author and the contributor disclaim any liability arising from reliance on this content. Connect with SolvLegal on LinkedIn.

[1] These articles are for educational and informational purposes only. The information quoted is based on publicly available news sources.