Digital Arrest Scam: What You Need To Know To Stay Safe

It usually begins with a phone or video call. The caller claims to be from law enforcement, a government agency, or even an international authority. They sound serious, maybe even polite. But soon, things escalate. You're accused of being involved in a crime, and suddenly, you're told you’re under “digital arrest.”

What Is a Digital Arrest Scam?

The scammer says you’re not allowed to disconnect the call, leave your location, or speak to anyone else. You're told to cooperate or face immediate arrest. Then they instruct you to transfer money, share sensitive information, or even record video statements.

It feels urgent and real- but it’s all fake. Scammers often use spoofed phone numbers, fake websites, or even deepfake videos to appear official.

Warning Signs to Look Out For

These scams follow a familiar pattern. Watch for these red flags:

• Sudden calls accusing you of crimes you know nothing about.
  
  
• Demands to stay on the call and not speak to anyone else.
  
  
• Pressure to send money or share ID numbers, banking info, or passwords.
  
  
• Poorly translated automated messages or suspicious incoming calls.
  
  

If it feels strange or scary, it’s probably a scam. Real authorities don’t operate this way.

How You Can Stay Safe

Stay calm. Scammers want you to panic. Don’t let urgency cloud your thinking.

Verify before you act. Hang up. Search for the real agency’s contact info and call them directly. Never rely on numbers or links sent by the caller.

Avoid sharing personal details. Whether it’s your passport number, bank info, or security codes - don’t share anything unless you’re 100% sure who you’re speaking to.

Download Truecaller. Truecaller can help you identify scam calls and block them before they get through. A simple layer of protection can save you from a lot of stress.

Talk to someone. If something feels off, check in with a friend, coworker, or family member. Scammers rely on your silence to keep control.

Even if you’ve shared information or sent money, don’t hesitate to report it. Contact your local law enforcement or cybercrime agency. Notify your bank immediately. Use official channels to report what happened- it could prevent someone else from falling into the same trap.

How can Truecaller help? 

Truecaller offers more than just our renowned Caller ID and spam-blocking features; we provide a fortress against fraud. Our technology helps you identify unknown calls and messages, allowing you to block scam attempts proactively, by both calls and texts. 

At Truecaller we have made it our mission to build trust in communication. We do our best to help you navigate a world where fraud and unwanted communication are a part of your daily life. Stay updated about recent scams, and watch the latest YouTube videos on how you and the 450 million-strong community of people using Truecaller every month can stay protected. You'll find us on X, Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok.