Digital arrest scam: no police, CBI or court arrests anyone on a video call
A “digital arrest” is a scam, not a legal procedure. Fraudsters pretending to be CBI, ED, police, customs, TRAI or a judge say a parcel, SIM or bank account in your name is linked to drugs or money laundering, keep you on a video call for hours, and make you transfer money to a “safe account” for “verification”.
Indian law has no such thing as a digital arrest. Real agencies send written notices, never question you on WhatsApp or Skype and never ask for money. If you get such a call, hang up, tell your family and report it at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
Last updated: Reviewed by IndiaDigital editorsSources
How does this scam work?
- It starts with a call, often an automated “TRAI” or “courier” message: your number will be cut, or a parcel in your name was seized with drugs or fake passports.
- You are “transferred” to a police officer, CBI or ED official. They may show a fake ID, a uniform, a police station backdrop or a forged arrest warrant on WhatsApp.
- They say you are under “digital arrest”: you must stay on video, not tell anyone and not leave the room. This can go on for hours or days.
- To “prove your innocence” you are told to move your savings, FDs or a loan amount to a “safe”, “RBI” or “verification” account. The money is gone within minutes.
Real-style examples
Numbers and links are changed. The red flags are marked by the same engine that runs in the Scam Checker.
This is a call from TRAI. Your mobile number will be disconnected in 2 hours because illegal messages were sent from it. Press 9 to talk to the officer.
- “TRAI will disconnect your number”
- Threatens you
Main Mumbai Police Cyber Crime se bol raha hoon. Aapke Aadhaar se ek parcel mein drugs mile hain, aapke naam pe money laundering ka case registered hai. Video call pe rahiye, kisi ko mat batana, warna arrest warrant nikal jayega.
- “Drugs found in your parcel”
- Fake police, CBI or court threat
- Asks you to keep it secret
मैं सीबीआई से बोल रहा हूँ। आपके नाम पर मनी लॉन्ड्रिंग का केस दर्ज है। आप डिजिटल अरेस्ट में हैं, वीडियो कॉल बंद मत कीजिए और किसी को मत बताइए।
- “Digital arrest”
- Fake police, CBI or court threat
- Asks you to keep it secret
Red flags: how to spot it
- The words “digital arrest” or “online custody”
- A parcel with drugs, fake passports or cash in your name
- You must stay on video and not tell family
- A “safe”, “RBI” or “verification” account to transfer money into
- Calls or WhatsApp from foreign or unknown numbers using police logos
How to check if it is real
- Hang up. You are free to end the call: it is not an arrest.
- Call your local police station on a number you look up yourself, or dial 112, and ask if any case exists.
- Talk to a family member right away. Scammers rely on keeping you alone and scared.
- Never transfer money to “verify” funds. No agency does this.
What to do if you get one
- If you sent money, call 1930 immediately and file on cybercrime.gov.in with the transaction details.
- Call your bank to stop further transfers and freeze cards and UPI.
- Report the numbers on Chakshu (sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc), even if you paid nothing.
Remember: There is no “digital arrest” in Indian law. No real agency arrests or questions you on a video call or asks you to transfer money.
Lost money? What to do in the first hour
- Call 1930 now. The National Cyber Crime Helpline. The first hour matters most: a quick report lets banks try to hold the money before it moves on.
- File the complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Add the transaction ID or UTR, amount, time, the UPI ID or account the money went to, and screenshots. Note your complaint number.
- Tell your bank and freeze cards and UPI. Call the number on your card or in the bank app. Reporting within 3 working days can limit your liability under RBI rules.
- Keep the evidence, beware “recovery agents”. Don’t delete chats. Anyone who charges a fee to get your money back is running a second scam.
Frequently asked questions
Is digital arrest legal in India?
No. There is no provision for a “digital arrest” in Indian law. Police can only arrest in person under legal procedure, and no agency questions people on a video call or asks them to transfer money.
Can CBI or police call me on WhatsApp?
Agencies may contact people, but they do not conduct interrogations on WhatsApp or Skype, do not show warrants on video and never ask for money. Treat any such call as fraud and verify by calling the police yourself.
I already paid. What do I do now?
Call 1930 at once, then report on cybercrime.gov.in with the UTR or transaction IDs and the accounts you paid. Speed matters: banks may be able to hold the money if you report quickly.
Related scams
Sources
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (1930) · Sanchar Saathi: Chakshu, report suspected fraud communication · RBI: limiting customer liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions