Digital Arrest Scam — How Fraudsters Impersonate Police & CBI
Scammers posing as CBI, Customs, and police officers are trapping victims on video calls and stealing crores. Here is exactly how the scam works — and how to protect yourself.
What is a Digital Arrest Scam?
A "digital arrest" scam is a sophisticated fraud where criminals impersonate law enforcement officials — typically from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Customs Department, Enforcement Directorate (ED), or state police. They contact victims via phone calls or video calls and accuse them of being involved in serious crimes such as money laundering, drug trafficking, or terrorism financing.
The scammers claim that the victim's Aadhaar number, PAN card, or bank account has been used in criminal activities. They display fake arrest warrants, fabricated FIR copies, and forged court orders. On video calls, they dress in police or CBI uniforms and sit in front of official-looking backdrops with government logos and Indian flags to appear legitimate.
The victim is then told they are under "digital arrest" and must remain on the video call at all times — sometimes for hours or even days. They are forbidden from contacting family members, friends, or lawyers. The scammers demand that the victim transfer money to a so-called "government security account" or "RBI verification account" to prove their funds are legitimate or to post bail. Some victims have been coerced into transferring their entire life savings — amounts ranging from lakhs to several crores.
This scam exploded across India in 2024 and has become the single largest category of online fraud in the country in 2025-2026 by total monetary losses. Victims span all demographics — from college students to retired professionals, from homemakers to senior executives.
How the Scam Unfolds — Step by Step
Understanding the playbook helps you recognize it instantly.
The Cold Call
You receive an unexpected call — often from a number that looks official or has a +91 prefix. The caller claims to be from the CBI, Narcotics Control Bureau, Customs, or local police. They may use an automated IVR message first to sound legitimate.
The Accusation
They claim your Aadhaar card, PAN card, or bank account has been linked to serious crimes — money laundering, drug trafficking, terrorism financing, or child exploitation material. They reference specific case numbers and legal sections to sound credible.
The Video Call
You are asked to join a video call where a person in a police or CBI uniform sits in a fake "office" with government logos on the wall. Some scammers set up an entire fake courtroom. They show you forged arrest warrants, FIRs, or court orders with your name on them.
The Digital Arrest
You are told you are under 'digital arrest' and must stay on the video call at all times. They forbid you from contacting family, friends, or a lawyer — claiming it will 'complicate the investigation' or that your family members will also be arrested.
The Demand
To 'clear your name' or 'verify your funds are clean,' they demand you transfer money to a so-called 'government account' or 'RBI security account.' Amounts range from Rs 50,000 to Rs 2 crore or more. Some victims are drained of their entire life savings over multiple transfers.
The Disappearance
Once the money is transferred, the scammers either demand more — claiming additional charges have been found — or they simply vanish. The phone numbers stop working. The 'officer' is unreachable. The money is gone, laundered through mule accounts within minutes.
Real Examples of Digital Arrest Scams
These are based on actual reported cases. Recognize the patterns.
"This is the Central Bureau of Investigation, New Delhi. Your Aadhaar number has been linked to a money laundering case worth Rs 2 crore under PMLA Act Section 3. A non-bailable arrest warrant has been issued in your name. You must join a video call immediately for verification, or we will dispatch a team to your residence within 2 hours. Do not disconnect this call or inform anyone — doing so will be treated as obstruction of justice under Section 186 IPC."
The victim is moved to a WhatsApp or Skype video call. A man in a khaki police uniform sits at a desk with an Indian flag and a "CBI" nameplate behind him. A second person, dressed as a judge in black robes, appears briefly on a split-screen to "hear the case." They show the victim a forged document with the Supreme Court letterhead listing their name, Aadhaar number, and fabricated charges. The "judge" pronounces that the victim must deposit a "security bond" to avoid immediate physical arrest.
"To prove your innocence and avoid physical arrest, you must transfer Rs 5,00,000 to the RBI Security Verification Account. This amount will be refunded within 24 hours after the investigation clears you. Failure to comply will result in the arrest of you and your family members under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Here is the account number — transfer immediately via NEFT or RTGS."
Red Flags — How to Spot a Digital Arrest Scam
Real police NEVER conduct arrests over phone or video call. There is no legal provision for 'digital arrest' in Indian law.
Government agencies do not call citizens to demand immediate money transfers. CBI, NIA, and Customs have formal procedures involving written notices.
No legitimate officer will ask you to stay on a video call continuously or threaten immediate arrest if you disconnect.
Real arrest warrants are served in person by uniformed officers with verifiable credentials — not shown on a video screen.
No government agency has an 'RBI security account' or 'verification account' where you need to deposit your savings.
Scammers create extreme urgency — 'warrant will be executed in 2 hours' — because urgency prevents you from thinking clearly or verifying their claims.
They forbid you from telling anyone. Real law enforcement never prevents you from contacting a lawyer — it is your constitutional right under Article 22.
Caller ID can be spoofed. Even if the number appears to be from a government office, it proves nothing.
Critical Fact
There is NO concept of "digital arrest" in Indian law. Police CANNOT arrest you over a phone or video call. No court hearing happens on WhatsApp or Skype. No government agency will ask you to transfer money to clear your name. This is 100% a scam — every single time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned citizens about this scam in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast on 27 October 2024, confirming there is no provision for digital arrest under any Indian law.
What to Do If You Receive a Digital Arrest Call
Hang up immediately
Do not engage, argue, or try to 'catch' the scammer. Just disconnect. You cannot be arrested for hanging up a phone call.
Do NOT transfer any money
No matter how convincing they sound, no legitimate authority will ask for money over the phone. Once transferred, recovery is extremely difficult.
Call 1930 (Cyber Crime Helpline)
Report the call to India's national cyber crime helpline immediately. Quick reporting increases the chance of blocking fraudulent accounts.
File a report on cybercrime.gov.in
Submit a formal complaint with the call details, phone number, and any screenshots or recordings you have.
Verify independently
If you are genuinely worried, visit your local police station in person. Look up the official number of the agency that supposedly called and contact them directly — never use a number the caller provides.
Tell your family and friends
The scammer's biggest weapon is isolation. Breaking the silence breaks their power. Talk to someone you trust immediately.
Preserve evidence
Save call recordings, screenshots, chat messages, and transaction details. This evidence is critical for investigation and potential fund recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about digital arrest scams in India.
Is digital arrest real in India?
No. There is absolutely no concept of 'digital arrest' in Indian law. The Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) both require physical presence for any arrest. No law enforcement agency in India — whether CBI, NIA, Customs, or state police — has the authority to arrest someone over a phone call or video call. If anyone tells you that you are under 'digital arrest,' it is a scam, without exception.
Can CBI or police arrest you on video call?
Absolutely not. The CBI, state police, NIA, Customs, Narcotics Bureau, and every other law enforcement agency in India must follow legal procedures that require in-person service of warrants and physical arrests. Officers must identify themselves with verifiable credentials, present a valid warrant signed by a magistrate, and conduct the arrest at a physical location. A video call has zero legal standing for detention or arrest in India.
What to do if you get a digital arrest call?
Hang up immediately. Do not engage with the caller or transfer any money. Report the incident by calling 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline) and filing a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. If you have already transferred money, contact your bank immediately to request a freeze on the transaction. Save all evidence including call recordings, phone numbers, and screenshots. Remember: no real police officer will threaten you for hanging up a phone call.
How much money have Indians lost to digital arrest scams?
According to data from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and media reports, Indians lost over Rs 120 crore to digital arrest scams in the first quarter of 2024 alone. The figure for 2025 was significantly higher, with individual victims losing anywhere from Rs 50,000 to over Rs 3 crore in a single incident. Prime Minister Modi addressed this scam specifically in his Mann Ki Baat broadcast in October 2024, calling it one of the most dangerous frauds targeting Indian citizens. In 2025-2026, it remains the single largest category of online fraud in India by total monetary loss.
How to verify if a call is really from police?
Never trust a phone call at face value — caller ID can be spoofed. If someone claims to be from the police or any government agency, take these steps: (1) Note down the caller's name, badge number, and the agency they claim to represent. (2) Hang up. (3) Look up the official phone number of that agency from their official government website — never use a number the caller provides. (4) Call the official number and ask to verify whether any case exists against you. (5) Alternatively, visit your nearest police station in person and inquire. Legitimate officers will respect your right to verify their identity.
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