CRITICAL digital arrest
Police or CBI on video call says you are under "digital arrest"
A caller on WhatsApp or video chat impersonates a police officer, CBI agent, or customs official claiming your Aadhaar or phone is linked to drugs or money laundering. They demand you stay on-call and pay to "settle."
Also known as: digital arrest scam, cyber arrest scam, CBI WhatsApp scam, FedEx digital arrest
What to do right now
- 1 End the call immediately — no government agency will arrest you over video
- 2 Inform a trusted family member or friend right away
- 3 Do not transfer any money under any circumstances
- 4 Do not share Aadhaar, PAN, bank details, or OTPs
- 5 Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (national cyber helpline).
Red flags
- ⚠ No law in India permits 'digital arrest' — it is not a real legal concept
- ⚠ Caller shows a fake badge, police uniform, or government office backdrop on video
- ⚠ You are told to stay on the call and not speak to family — this is isolation, a classic scam tactic
- ⚠ Demands money to 'clear your name' or 'pay a fine' before formal charges