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Scams & Fraud · URGENCY: IMMEDIATE

“Digital Arrest” Scam — Fake Police / CBI / Customs Calls

Short answer

There is no such thing as a “digital arrest”. Scammers posing as police, CBI, customs, TRAI or ED call or video-call you, claim a parcel/SIM/case in your name, and pressure you to stay on camera and transfer money. Cut the call, do not pay, and report on 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in. No genuine agency arrests or takes money over a video call.

Written & reviewed by Rupesh Mittal, Cyber Lawyer & Criminal Advocate · Last reviewed 30 August 2026

This scam works through fear and isolation: a uniform on video, an “FIR”, threats of immediate arrest, and an order not to tell anyone while you “cooperate”. It is entirely fake. Knowing that no agency conducts arrests or collects fines over video call is your strongest defence.

What to do now

  1. Disconnect the call. No real officer will keep you on video call or demand money to avoid arrest.
  2. Do not pay, and do not share Aadhaar, PAN, OTPs, or bank details.
  3. Call 1930 and report on cybercrime.gov.in; tell a family member — breaking the isolation defeats the scam.

What to do now

  1. 01

    End the call and don’t re-engage

    Hang up. Do not stay on video, do not “stay on the line for verification”, and do not answer callbacks from the same numbers.

  2. 02

    Do not pay or share anything

    Send no money to “verify”, “clear your name” or “refundable security”, and never share OTPs, Aadhaar/PAN or banking details.

  3. 03

    Break the isolation

    Tell a family member or friend immediately. The scam depends on keeping you alone and frightened; a second opinion ends it.

  4. 04

    Report it

    Call 1930 (if any money was paid) and file on cybercrime.gov.in with the numbers, screenshots and any transaction details.

    National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
  5. 05

    Preserve evidence

    Note the caller numbers, take screenshots/recordings of the video call and “documents”, and keep any UPI/account details and transaction references.

How to recognise it

  • A call claiming a parcel in your name has drugs/illegal items, or your SIM/Aadhaar is linked to a crime
  • The call is transferred to “police / CBI / customs / ED”, often on video
  • You are told you are “under digital arrest” and must not disconnect or tell anyone
  • Demands to transfer money to a “verification”, “RBI” or “secure” account, promised as refundable
  • Threats of immediate arrest, and intense time pressure

Documents to keep available

  • The caller phone numbers and any WhatsApp/video-call IDs
  • Screenshots or recordings of the video call, “ID cards”, “FIR” or “court order”
  • Any bank/UPI details you were told to pay to
  • Transaction IDs / UTR and amounts, if you paid

Requirements may vary by case and authority.

What not to do

  • Do not stay on the call or comply with a “digital arrest” — it does not exist.
  • Do not transfer money to any “verification” or “secure” account.
  • Do not share OTPs, Aadhaar, PAN or bank details.
  • Do not keep it secret — telling someone is part of stopping it.

Frequently asked questions

Can the police or CBI really arrest me over a video call?

No. No law-enforcement agency in India arrests anyone, keeps them “under digital arrest”, or collects money/fines over a phone or video call. Any such call is a scam — disconnect and report.

They knew my name and Aadhaar number — doesn’t that make it real?

No. Scammers often have some personal data from leaks and use it to sound credible. Real agencies follow due legal process in person and through courts — never a pay-now video call.

I was pressured and transferred money — what now?

Call 1930 and report on cybercrime.gov.in immediately with the transaction details. Reporting fast gives the best chance of holding the funds. This is a common organised scam and you are the victim.

Official resources

National Cyber Crime Reporting PortalCFCFRMS Grievance Redressal Portal

When professional assistance may be appropriate

Where an issue significantly affects your legal position, banking access, livelihood or business, or involves a notice, investigation or multiple jurisdictions, consider advice from an appropriate qualified professional.

Relevant professional types: Cyber crime lawyer · Criminal lawyer

Need help with this issue?

Sources: National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) · I4C / MHA public advisories on “digital arrest” scams

Last reviewed: 30 August 2026. This independent guide is general information, not legal advice, and does not control official investigations or processes.