Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a strong warning about a growing online fraud known as “digital arrest.” This alarming scheme involves fraudsters who contact victims via video calls, impersonating police or tax officials and falsely accusing them of criminal activities. Many individuals have reportedly lost millions of rupees to these scammers, who create a sense of urgency and fear.
The scammers typically instruct their victims to remain in one location, often their homes, under the pretense of a “digital arrest,” advising them not to reach out to anyone for help. Modi emphasized that the concept of a digital arrest is nonexistent in Indian law, asserting that no legitimate enforcement agency would request personal information via phone or video.
These fraudsters frequently impersonate officials from various agencies, including the police, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), narcotics control, and even the central bank. They often use a convincing setup resembling a police station, complete with uniforms and fake ID cards to enhance their credibility. In some cases, they leverage deepfake technology and fabricated arrest warrants to further manipulate their victims.
The rise of such scams has led to numerous reports across the country. For instance, in August, Bengaluru police arrested several individuals after a victim was defrauded of over 20 million rupees (approximately $237,000). The scammers claimed that a parcel addressed to the victim contained illegal drugs and threatened legal repercussions unless he paid a settlement fee.
Notably, actor Maala Parvathi recently shared her experience of being targeted by this scam, where fraudsters posing as Mumbai Police accused her of drug smuggling but she recognized the fraud before any money was exchanged.
In his advice to citizens, Modi outlined three key steps to protect themselves: stay calm and document the encounter, remember that no government agency will threaten them online, and report the incident to the national cyber helpline and local police.
