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Cyber safety advisory

Digital arrest scams

Digital arrestHigh urgency

Published 15 October 2026

Fraudsters impersonate police, investigative agencies, banks or courier companies and falsely claim that the victim is involved in a criminal case.

A smartphone lying face up on a table, photographed with a shallow depth of field.

Fraudsters impersonate police, investigative agencies, banks or courier companies and falsely claim that the victim is involved in a criminal case. They may demand continuous video surveillance or a transfer of funds for “verification.” There is no lawful process called digital arrest. Do not transfer money, share banking credentials or remain isolated on a video call. Disconnect and verify the claim through official channels.

What to do immediately

  1. Stop further communication and do not make another payment.
  2. Contact your bank or payment provider immediately.
  3. Call 1930 as early as possible for cyber financial fraud.
  4. Submit a report at cybercrime.gov.in.
  5. Preserve messages, screenshots, transaction IDs, phone numbers and account details.
  6. Inform a trusted family member instead of handling threats alone.