“Digital arrest” is a form of cyber scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials or investigative agencies to deceive victims. They typically claim that the victim is under investigation or has a warrant out for their arrest, creating a sense of fear and urgency. To “resolve” the situation, these scammers demand sensitive personal or financial information and often coerce victims into transferring large sums of money to specific accounts.
The scam has gained traction in India, where fraudsters commonly use video calls to exert psychological pressure, often keeping the victim on the line for hours until they comply. The Ministry of Home Affairs has taken this seriously, forming a high-level committee to investigate and monitor these cases, with recent statistics revealing a substantial financial toll on victims.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted this issue in his “Mann Ki Baat” address, urging citizens to stay vigilant and underscoring that legitimate agencies do not threaten or demand money over the phone. He outlined a preventive approach with three steps: stop, think, and take action, advising citizens to document any suspicious calls with screenshots or recordings for evidence.
