CRITICAL digital arrest
Is “digital arrest scam” a scam?
Yes — this is a known, dangerous scam.
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."
How to tell
- ⚠ 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
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 If you installed any 'support' or 'server' or 'refund app' or remote-access app at the scammer's request (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, etc.), run free SeraphSecure (https://www.seraphsecure.com) to detect and remove it.
- 6 Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 (national cyber helpline).
Was remote-access software installed?
If a scammer asked you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, Quick Support, or any remote-access app, your device may still be compromised.
Run SeraphSecure to detect and remove it →Full guidance, red flags, variants & official sources
Police or CBI on video call says you are under "digital arrest" →