The Tiruchirappalli police have warned residents about the growing threat of “digital arrest” scams, a form of cyber fraud in which criminals impersonate police officers, CBI officials, customs officers, judges or other government authorities and frighten victims into transferring money.
The warning is particularly important because these scams rely heavily on fear, urgency and impersonation rather than conventional hacking techniques.
What is a digital-arrest scam?
A digital-arrest scam usually begins with an unexpected phone call, WhatsApp call or video call. The fraudster claims that the victim’s Aadhaar, bank account, SIM card, parcel or identity documents have been linked to a criminal case.
The victim may then be told that they are under investigation and must remain on a video call while the alleged officials conduct an investigation.
The criminals sometimes tell victims that they have been placed under “digital arrest” and cannot leave their home or disconnect the call.
There is no legitimate legal concept under which an ordinary police officer can place someone under a so-called digital arrest through a video call and demand money for release.
How scammers create fear
The scammers typically use an official-sounding identity and create a sense of emergency.
They may claim:
- A parcel containing illegal materials was booked in the victim’s name.
- Their Aadhaar card was used in a criminal case.
- Their bank account is connected to money laundering.
- Their mobile number has been involved in illegal activities.
- A warrant has been issued against them.
- They must immediately cooperate with an investigation.
The objective is to make the victim panic before they have an opportunity to verify the claim.
Fake police and government officials
Fraudsters may use police uniforms, fake identity cards, forged documents and official-looking backgrounds during video calls.
Some scammers even transfer the victim from one fake official to another—for example, from a supposed courier company employee to a fake police officer and then to a fake judge.
This creates the impression that a genuine investigation is taking place.
Demand for money
After establishing fear, the criminals generally demand money.
Victims may be told to transfer funds for:
- “Verification”
- “Security deposits”
- “Bail”
- “Account verification”
- “Money-laundering investigation”
- “Court clearance”
- “Refundable deposits”
The scammers may promise that the money will be returned after the investigation is completed.
In reality, the payment is simply a fraudulent transfer.
Why these scams are dangerous
Digital-arrest scams can cause large financial losses because criminals often keep victims on calls for several hours or even days.
The victim may be prevented from speaking with family members and pressured into following the instructions of the fraudsters.
Because the criminals create a highly convincing story, even educated and financially experienced people can become victims.
Trichy police advisory
The police warning urges members of the public to remain calm when receiving calls from people claiming to be government officials.
The most important point is:
No genuine police officer or government agency will conduct a “digital arrest” through a video call and demand money from a person to avoid arrest.
If someone receives such a call, they should disconnect the call and independently contact the relevant department through its official contact details.
Do not share personal information
Residents should never disclose sensitive information to unknown callers, including:
- Aadhaar details
- PAN details
- Bank-account information
- ATM/debit-card information
- OTPs
- UPI PINs
- Internet-banking passwords
- Credit-card information
- Personal identification documents
Banks, police departments and government agencies do not require people to disclose OTPs or UPI PINs over unsolicited calls.
Do not install unknown applications
Fraudsters may also instruct victims to download an application for supposedly completing a police investigation or verifying their identity.
Such applications can potentially give criminals access to sensitive information or enable remote-control activity.
People should therefore avoid installing applications sent through unknown links or messages.
What to do if you receive such a call
If someone claims that you are under digital arrest:
- Stay calm.
- Do not transfer any money.
- Do not share OTPs, passwords or banking details.
- Do not follow instructions to install unknown applications.
- End the call.
- Contact the police or the concerned government department independently.
- Inform family members or trusted people.
- If money has already been transferred, report the incident immediately to the cybercrime authorities and your bank.
What to do after losing money
Speed is extremely important after a cyber-fraud transaction. Victims should report the fraud immediately through India’s official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or by calling the 1930 cybercrime helpline.
Prompt reporting can help authorities and banks attempt to trace or freeze fraudulent transactions before the money moves through multiple accounts.
Importance of public awareness
The warning from Trichy police highlights the importance of cybersecurity awareness. Digital fraudsters continuously change their methods, but the basic strategy remains the same: create fear, establish fake authority, isolate the victim and demand immediate payment.
Public awareness can significantly reduce the success of these scams.
Special caution for elderly people
Older people can be particularly vulnerable when scammers impersonate police officials or government authorities. Families should explain the concept of digital arrest scams to elderly relatives and encourage them to consult family members before making any financial transfer following an unexpected phone call.