What to do if you face a digital arrest scam, Hyderabad police share safety tips

Hyderabad: The Cybercrime Unit of Hyderabad City police have issued a public warning about an alarming rise in ‘digital arrest’ scams.

What are digital arrest scams?

Digital arrest fraud involves scammers impersonating law enforcement, courier companies or government officials to threaten victims with arrest, frozen accounts or legal action in connection with fictional crimes involving money laundering, trafficking, narcotics or terrorism.

Citizens are urged to remain vigilant, avoid sharing personal or banking information or transferring money and report any suspicious calls or messages immediately.

Modus Operandi

Scammers use a variety of tactics to trick victims into giving money, personal information or access to devices. The tactics involve:

1. Impersonation of officials: Scammers impersonate police officers, government officials, CBI, Customs, ED, TRAI, DOT, NIA, ATS or courier staff to claim the victim is involved in serious crimes like money laundering, trafficking, narcotics or terrorism.

2. Threats and intimidation: Victims are threatened with arrest, account freezing or legal action to create fear and urgency.

3. Fake evidence: Scammers send forged FIRs, non-bailable arrest warrants or RBI letters to appear authentic.

4. The fraudsters threaten the victim with severe punishment and damage to the family's reputation

5. The scammer demand for asset liquidation and they claim the money is being ‘submitted to the Supreme Court’ as proof of innocence

6. Financial extortion: Victims are pressured to keep the matter confidential and are coerced into transferring money under the pretext of ‘verification’ or obtaining a ‘No Involvement Certificate or to avoid arrest or penalties.’

7. Social engineering: Scammers pressure victims not to inform family or friends and insist that communication be confidential.

Public advisory

- Do not panic; there is no digital arrest. Police or any law enforcement agency never make arrests digitally, nor do they demand money to clear names or issue certificates.

- Scammers use caller ID spoofing, WhatsApp video calls and forged documents like arrest warrants and RBI letters to create fear and credibility.

- Such threats of digital arrest or immediate police action are fake. Law enforcement agencies never demand money to clear names or issue certificates.

- Citizens must stay calm, avoid sharing OTPs, Aadhaar, personal/financial details and immediately disconnect such calls.

- Verify any such claims directly with local police or official government helplines. Do not rely on numbers or links sent by the caller.

- Preserve evidence: Keep call logs, WhatsApp messages, emails, screenshots, transaction IDs, and app installation history

- Report suspicious activity immediately

Where to file complaints about digital arrest scams?

Report suspected fraud to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or online at cybercrime.gov.in.