Digital Arrest Scam: ₹100Cr Stolen in 19 Months

Fraudsters posing as police or government officers trap victims on video calls, threaten 'digital arrest', and steal crores. Senior citizens are the biggest targets. Here's how to spot and stop this scam before it reaches your family.

Here's what happened: At least 136 digital arrest fraud cases were recorded over 19 months, with victims losing a combined ₹100 crore, predominantly senior citizens targeted at home.. Fraudsters impersonate CBI, ED, TRAI, or police officers on video calls, displaying fake uniforms and ID cards to convince victims they face imminent criminal arrest.. Victims are psychologically isolated — told to speak to no one — then pressured to transfer large sums as 'bail money' or 'verification deposits' to avoid fabricated charges..

What you should do: Call your elderly parents or relatives today and use these exact words: 'Digital arrest does not exist in Indian law — any such call is a scam. Hang up and call me immediately.'. Save the National Cybercrime Helpline number 1930 in every family member's phone right now — reporting within the first hour can help freeze and recover transferred funds.. If money has already been transferred, file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in within 24 hours and simultaneously approach your bank's fraud desk to initiate a chargeback or hold request..

Banks can initiate a 'lien hold' on the destination account within hours of a fraud report — the faster you call 1930, the higher the chance your money is still recoverable before it is withdrawn or layered.