Digital Arrest Fraud and Cyber Law
1. What is Digital Arrest Fraud?
Digital arrest fraud is a scam where a criminal pretends to be a law enforcement officer and keeps the victim “under arrest” over a phone or video call.
They often get the victim to transfer money to them, claiming it will be paid back when it is “verified”. Victims may be kept on call for hours.
2. Real-Life Story
A Noida-based senior citizen received a call from a so-called bank employee, who told him his Aadhaar card had been used in a major scam.
The criminals told him the CBI was handling his case. They placed him under “digital arrest”, and told him to transfer money for the purpose of investigation. The man ended up transferring ₹1.19 crores in three different installments.
He began to suspect a fraud when the mone wasn’t transferred back to him as they promised it would be.
3. Victims are Made to Feel
✅ Afraid and panicked ✅ Obliged to follow orders ✅ Helpless, as they can’t call the police
4. Our Secret Tips
✅ Remember: There is no legal basis for digital arrest - the police will never do it. ✅ Call: Contact the police from a verified number and ask them about the case. ✅ Withold: Don’t pay any money without fully understanding why - even if people say they’re the police.
5. Cyber Law in Action
Sections of the BNS that may apply.
✅ Section 308: Extortion ✅ Section 336: Forgery (in case fake documents are used) ✅ Section 351: Criminal intimidation
Sections of the IT Act that may apply.
✅ Section 66D: Cheating by personation using a computer resource
