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Digital Arrest Extortion Wave

📅 2024 onwards💸 ₹50 Cr⚠️ Impersonation / Extortion Scam

Case Summary

Fraudsters posing as police, CBI or ED officers kept victims in video-call isolation and extorted money under fake legal threats.

Year

2024

Fraud Amount

₹50 Crore

📖 What Happened

Victims are told that their Aadhaar, phone number, parcel or bank account is linked to serious crime and that they must remain on video under 'digital arrest'.

The caller poses as a law-enforcement or investigative officer and escalates fear until the victim starts transferring funds for 'verification' or 'safe custody'.

This became one of India's fastest-growing cyber fraud narratives because it weaponises authority, shame and isolation all at once.

⚠️ Warning Signs to Watch For

Requests for upfront payment before any service is delivered
Pressure to decide quickly without time for research
No verifiable physical address, registration or licence
Communications only through WhatsApp or anonymous channels

🛡️ How to Protect Yourself

Research the company or individual thoroughly before parting with money
File a report at cybercrime.gov.in if you are targeted
Call the National Cyber Helpline: 1930 for immediate assistance
Share the scam details on ReportScams.in to warn others

Experienced something similar?

Report it to help protect others across India.

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📰 Trusted News Sources

🎥 Video Explainers

▶️YouTube search – digital arrest scam explained

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