NPCI Raises Awareness Against ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams As Cybercriminals Grow Smarter

With an ever-expanding digital economy, day-to-day transactions have become quicker, simpler, and more accessible across India. However, this convenience has also brought a growing danger: cybercriminals preying on unsuspecting users through fear and deception. Among the many frauds being perpetrated, one of the most alarming is the ‘digital arrest’ scam, which plays on people’s trust in authority and fear of legal trouble.

Besides raising awareness on such scams, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has also asked citizens to be vigilant and take precautionary measures to safeguard their finances and personal information.

What Is A ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

A ‘digital arrest’ fraud refers to scams in which the fraudsters pretend to be an official from the police or other law enforcement agencies as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) or the Customs or Income Tax Department officials, conduct call or video-call to scare the victims, and accuse them or their family members of taking part in money-laundering or tax evasion or other crimes. 

They mostly come on screen wearing uniforms (of course, fake), but which look genuine to an untrained eye, often with a false ID card, with the backdrop usually looking like the inside of a police station or a government office. It can even involve sharing false documents to instil panic among their targets by claiming there is a “digital arrest warrant” against them and that immediate action will be required to avoid detention.

Victims are often caught off guard by the fear of arrest; most of them share personal details or even transfer money to ‘secure’ or ‘escrow’ accounts fraudsters claim will be used for an investigation. Money, once sent, is hardly recoverable.

How To Identify A ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam

The most obvious warning sign is an unexpected call from a person claiming to represent a government or law enforcement agency, using threatening language or urgency regarding illegal transactions linked to your bank account, or even a case registered against you.

They may insist on switching to a video call, where they display a police station-like setups to appear genuine. Some use fake background noises, like phones ringing, or officers speaking in the background to make it sound real.

Another important indicator is when they ask for money or details from you. In such cases, fraudsters ask you to ‘verify’ your identity with your Aadhaar number or bank details, or refundable deposits that will help them stop the legal action. NPCI has warned that no genuine official will ever seek money or sensitive information by phone or video calls.

Most importantly, for any investigation, the police or the investigating agency will send you a physical letter or court warrant through post and you will be asked to physically visit the police station or the investigating authority. There is no such thing as digital arrest and no individual can be virtually arrested under Indian law. 

Steps To Stay Safe

NPCI has urged citizens not to panic, instead think before reacting to such communication. Never respond to suspicious-sounding calls or messages that intimidate you with fear. 

Always verify the identity of the caller through official government websites or contact numbers listed online. Never disclose any personal information, OTPs, or banking details. Never transfer money to accounts mentioned by the caller, claiming it to be directed from the government.  

Save evidence in the form of screenshots or recordings if such calls are received and report the incident to the national cybercrime helpline number, 1930, or the Sanchar Saathi portal of the Department of Telecommunications. 

NPCI also encourages people to spread word about these scams, especially among friends and families who are less aware of online transactions. Awareness and presence of mind can go a long way in prevention of fraud. While digital payments become an everyday affair, being alert is as important as being connected.