The “Digital Arrest” Trap in India and How to Outsmart It

It usually starts with a phone or video call from someone pretending to be a police officer, government official, or even a CBI agent. They sound official, serious and maybe even helpful at first.

But soon, the tone changes.

They accuse you of being linked to crimes like money laundering or drug trafficking. They say your Aadhaar, bank account, or phone number is under investigation. Then comes the pressure- you’re told that there’s a warrant out for your arrest.

The goal? To scare you into taking immediate action, without stopping to think or verify.

What Exactly Is a “Digital Arrest”?

The scammer says you're being put under "digital arrest", meaning you can't leave your location, must stay on a video call, and can’t talk to anyone else, not even family.

You’re told you need to prove your innocence, help with an “undercover investigation” and transfer the money for “verification” or “bail”.  

Most digital arrest scams follow the same script. 

Here are the signs to watch for:

• A sudden call from someone claiming to be law enforcement or a government official.
  
  
• Accusations of serious crimes with no prior warning or evidence.
  
  
• Instructions to stay on a call and not speak to anyone else.
  
  
• Pressure to transfer money or share personal financial information.
  
  

No real police officer or government agent will demand money or threaten arrest over a phone call.

How to Protect Yourself 

Stay calm
Scammers want you to panic. Pause. Think. Hang up.

Verify independently
If someone claims they are from a government agency, find the official contact details online and call them directly.

Never share personal or financial information
That includes Aadhaar numbers, bank account details, OTPs, or any ID documents.

Talk to someone you trust
Scammers will try to isolate you. If something feels off, speak to a friend, family member, or colleague right away.

Download Truecaller
Many scammers use fake or hidden numbers. Download the Truecaller app to help identify unknown numbers, block spam, and stay a step ahead of suspicious calls.

If you get a call like this, you should always

• Call the National Cybercrime Helpline: 1930
• Report the incident online: www.cybercrime.gov.in
  
  

Even if money was lost, reporting can help authorities catch these criminals and prevent future scams.

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.