Digital Arrest Scam Exposed: How Cyber Crooks Trap Victims and What Laws Can Protect You

COURTKUTCHEHRY SPECIAL ON LAWS TO FIGHT DIGITAL CROOKS

“Digital Arrest Scam Exposed: How Cyber Crooks Trap Victims and What Laws Can Protect You”

“Step-by-step breakdown shows how victims are isolated, threatened, and extorted over 56 hours”

“IPC and IT Act provisions empower police to prosecute fraudsters behind digital arrest scams”

By Our Legal Reporter

New Delhi: January 04, 2026:

India is witnessing a disturbing rise in “digital arrest scams”, a sophisticated cybercrime where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement agencies to extort money. A recent case reported by Times of India revealed how a victim was trapped in a 56-hour ordeal, forced into continuous video calls, and coerced into transferring money under the false threat of arrest.

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The “digital arrest” scam is a new cybercrime model where fraudsters impersonate police, CBI, customs, or cyber cell officials, trapping victims in long video calls, threatening arrest, and coercing them into transferring money or sharing sensitive data. Victims are isolated for hours, intimidated with fake warrants, and extorted. Indian law provides remedies under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for cheating, extortion, and impersonation, and under the Information Technology Act, 2000 for cyber fraud.

This article explains the step-by-step process of the scam, highlights legal remedies available to victims, and discusses the implications for public awareness and cyber law enforcement.

Step-by-Step Process of a Digital Arrest Scam

Based on multiple reports, here is how the scam typically unfolds:

1. Initial Contact
   • Victim receives a call from someone impersonating police, customs, or cyber cell officials.
   • Caller claims that the victim’s Aadhaar, PAN, or bank account is linked to crimes like money laundering, narcotics, or suspicious parcels.
2. Fear Induction
   • Fraudsters show fake documents, FIRs, or arrest warrants.
   • Victim is told they will be “digitally arrested” and must remain on video call for interrogation.
3. Isolation
   • Victim is kept on continuous video calls for hours or even days.
   • They are instructed not to contact family or friends, creating psychological pressure.
4. Interrogation & Coercion
   • Victim is asked to share ID proofs, bank details, OTPs, or personal documents.
   • Threats of immediate arrest or freezing of accounts are repeated.
5. Extortion
   • Victim is coerced into transferring money for “verification” or “bail.”
   • Fraudsters siphon funds into multiple accounts, often routed abroad.
6. Exit
   • Once money is transferred, fraudsters cut contact.
   • Victim realizes they have been duped only after the ordeal ends.

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Legal Recourses Against Digital Arrest Scams

Victims can rely on multiple laws to prosecute offenders:

• Indian Penal Code (IPC):
  • Section 419: Impersonation.
  • Section 420: Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property.
  • Section 384: Extortion.
  • Section 468/471: Forgery and use of forged documents.
• Information Technology Act, 2000:
  • Section 66C: Identity theft.
  • Section 66D: Cheating by personation using computer resources.
  • Section 67: Publishing or transmitting false information.
• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (new criminal code):
  • Updated provisions on cyber fraud and impersonation strengthen enforcement.
• Supreme Court intervention:
  • Recognizing the scale of scams siphoning off ₹3,000 crore, the Supreme Court has empowered the CBI to investigate nationwide.

Key Differences: Traditional Cyber Fraud vs Digital Arrest Scam

Implications for Public Awareness

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• For citizens: Awareness is the best defence. No police or CBI officer will ever conduct arrests over video calls.
• For parents: Senior citizens are often targeted; families must educate them about scams.
• For law enforcement: Need for cyber cells to run awareness campaigns and strengthen digital literacy.
• For policymakers: Stronger cross-border cooperation is required as many fraudsters operate from outside India.

Expert Views

• Cyber law experts: Stress that scams exploit fear and ignorance of legal processes.
• Police officials: Advise citizens to immediately disconnect suspicious calls and report to cybercrime.gov.in.
• Policy analysts: Note that India’s new criminal code (BNS 2023) will help plug gaps in prosecuting cyber fraud.

Conclusion

The digital arrest scam is a chilling reminder of how cyber crooks exploit fear and legal ignorance. By impersonating law enforcement, isolating victims, and coercing them into long video calls, fraudsters have created a new model of extortion.

The Orissa High Court, Supreme Court, and cyber law experts have all emphasized that legal recourse exists under IPC, IT Act, and BNS 2023. But awareness is the first line of defence. Citizens must remember: no genuine police officer will ever arrest you over a video call.

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