The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre’s awareness platform, CyberDost, has issued a warning about a surge in so-called “digital arrest” scams, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials to intimidate and exploit victims.
According to the advisory, scammers typically contact individuals through phone or video calls, posing as police officers or government authorities. They fabricate serious allegations, such as involvement in illegal activities, to create panic and pressure victims into immediate compliance.
In many cases, fraudsters use fake documents, uniforms or staged video interactions to appear credible. Victims are often subjected to prolonged psychological pressure, sometimes involving family members, making it difficult for them to verify the claims before acting.
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Authorities said these scams rely heavily on urgency, with fraudsters demanding sensitive personal details or financial transfers under the pretext of resolving legal issues.
CyberDost clarified that there is no legal concept of a “digital arrest” in India, and any such claim should be treated as fraudulent.
The advisory also outlined what legitimate authorities do not do. Law enforcement agencies do not conduct investigations over video calls, demand confidential financial information during such interactions, or pressure individuals to act immediately under threat.
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Users are advised to remain cautious and independently verify any suspicious communication through official channels. In case of such incidents, individuals should immediately disconnect the call and avoid sharing any personal or financial information.
Victims or those targeted can report such frauds by calling the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or by filing a complaint on the official cybercrime portal.
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