What is Digital Arrest in India?
Digital arrest is not a legitimate legal process in India. It refers to a type of cyber scam where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials—often claiming to be from agencies like the police, customs, income tax, or cybercrime branches—and falsely accuse individuals of legal violations. They assert that a so-called “digital arrest warrant” has been issued against the victim, then use intimidation and psychological pressure to coerce victims into transferring money or disclosing sensitive information to avoid fake criminal charges or arrest.
Common Features of Digital Arrest Scams
– Fake Authority Contacts: Scammers contact the victim by phone, email, or social media, claiming to be law enforcement officials.
– Threats of Arrest: Victims are told they face immediate arrest for supposed legal offenses—like unpaid taxes or customs violations—unless they comply with instructions.
– Video Calls and Fake Setups: Fraudsters may request victims to join a video call, sometimes using fake police station backdrops to appear convincing.
– Demand for Money: Victims are pressured to transfer funds, often via UPI, bank transfer, or even cryptocurrency, under the premise of a “settlement fee” or “security deposit.”
– Social Engineering: Tactics involve high-pressure, intimidation, and sometimes even remote surveillance of the victim’s banking operations.
Notable Cases
India recorded its first digital arrest conviction in July 2025, when a West Bengal court sentenced nine scammers to life imprisonment for defrauding over 100 people of more than ₹1 crore using such tactics.
Legal Perspective: Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Digital Arrest
– There is no legal provision for “digital arrest” in Indian law. The term is not recognized under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) or any other act.
– If someone claims you have a “digital arrest warrant,” it is a scam. Real law enforcement procedures for arrest or investigation must follow due process under Indian law (e.g., written warrants, physical arrest by verified officers, etc.)
– Digital arrest scams typically involve violations covered under sections of the IPC related to cheating, extortion, criminal intimidation, and cyber fraud.
Law Enforcement Response
– The Indian government established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), reporting portals, and financial fraud mitigation units to tackle such scams.
– Public campaigns are ongoing to raise awareness and prevent victimization.
Key Points to Remember
– Digital arrest is always a scam in India.
– There is no such legal procedure or “digital arrest warrant” under the IPC or any official law.
– If contacted with threats of digital arrest, do not respond. Contact local police or report the incident on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
How to Stay Safe
– Never transfer money or share personal details based on calls or messages from unknown individuals claiming to be officials.
– Verify the identity of anyone demanding payment for alleged legal offenses.
– Report suspected cyber fraud immediately to official channels, such as cybercrime.gov.in
Sources
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/in-a-first-9-sentenced-to-life-by-court-in-bengal-for-digital-arrest-fraud/articleshow/122773681.cms
