WHAT IS A 'DIGITAL ARREST' SCAM?

DIGITAL arrest is a cyber fraud where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials, such as police, CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation), ED (Enforcement Directorate), or customs officers, to extort money from victims.

- PV SUBRAMANYAM

The term "digital arrest" refers to the scammers' tactic of placing victims under virtual surveillance via video calls, claiming they are restricted from leaving or contacting others until they comply with demands. This creates psychological pressure, making victims believe they are under official custody without physical arrest. These scams have surged in India since early 2023, evolving from earlier courier frauds, and have led to losses exceeding ₹2,580 crore nationwide since 2022.

In 2024 alone, over 120,000 complaints were reported, with total losses around ₹1,935 crore. The operations often originate from countries like Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.