Digital arrest: 10 things to know

The digital arrest scam is a form of cybercrime in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials to intimidate and extort money from victims. These scammers manipulate victims into staying under constant visual surveillance through video conferencing platforms like Skype while pressuring them to meet their demands, typically involving monetary payments. (Image credit: Lexica AI)

Scammers initiate contact through SMS, email, or WhatsApp messages, falsely accusing victims of crimes like money laundering or drug trafficking and directing them to call a specific number to avoid “digital arrest.” (Image credit: Copilot AI)

Fraudsters use video calls with props like uniforms, official logos, and realistic backdrops to mimic legitimate government agencies and gain victims' trust. Use of deepfake videos to make the 'arrest' 'legitimate' is also prevalent. (Image credit: Copilot AI)

In a digital arrest, victims are told they themselves or in many cases their relatives are accused of crimes, such as possessing contraband or being linked to illegal activities, to create panic and compel compliance. For instance, they could claim that a victim's child has been caught with drugs. (Image credit: Lexica AI)

Scammers use continuous video surveillance during calls, restricting victims’ ability to consult others or think rationally by maintaining an atmosphere of fear and urgency. (Image credit: Lexica AI)

Victims are coerced into transferring large sums of money under the threat of legal action or fabricated emergencies involving family members. (Image credit: Lexica AI)

Threats of legal consequences, demands for immediate money transfers, and suspicious calls from unknown or foreign numbers are common red flags. Also, legal authorities do not contact electronically to "arrest" people.

Even PM Modi during his October's "Mann ki Baat" address warned the nation against the scam that has become a common occurence these days. He urged the people to think and avoid panic in the situation. (Image credit: Lexica AI)

Verify the caller’s identity, stay calm under pressure, avoid sharing personal information, and never transfer money in response to unsolicited demands. (Image credit: Lexica AI)

Report the incident to the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in, gather evidence like screenshots or recordings, and inform local authorities immediately. (Image credit: Lexica AI)

The government has launched awareness campaigns, blocked fraudulent accounts, and collaborated with tech companies to disable SIM cards and platforms used in these scams. (Image credit: Lexica AI)