Act fast

Someone on a video call says I am under 'digital arrest'. Is that real?

Simple answer

No. There is no 'digital arrest' in Indian law. Police, CBI, ED, customs or judges do not arrest anyone over a video call or ask for money to 'clear your name'. It is a scam. Cut the call and report it to 1930.

Real-life examples

Suresh, 68, from Pune got a call saying a parcel in his name had drugs. A man in police uniform on video said he was under 'digital arrest' and must move his savings to a 'safe account' for checking. Suresh cut the call, told his daughter and reported the number on Chakshu.

Ayesha stayed on a video call for six hours and transferred ₹3 lakh before realising it was fake. She called 1930 at once, so police could try to freeze the money. She is the victim here, not an accused.

What should you do?

1Cut the call. Don't send money, share OTPs, Aadhaar or bank details, or install any app they ask for.
2Check the claim yourself: call your local police station or 112 on a number you find yourself, not one the caller gives.
3If you have paid anything, call 1930 immediately and report on cybercrime.gov.in with the transaction details.
4Report the caller's number or WhatsApp ID on Chakshu (Sanchar Saathi), even if you lost no money.
5Tell a family member. Scammers order victims to stay silent and on camera — talking to someone breaks their hold.

Exceptions & limits

Police and courts can send genuine notices or summons, sometimes electronically. Verify them directly with the police station or court. A real notice asks you to appear — it never asks you to pay money into a 'safe account'.

Official legal reference

Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 — Section 43
How an arrest is made: the officer must actually touch or confine the person's body, unless the person submits to custody.
Earlier: CrPC Section 46Read the official text
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Section 204
Pretending to be a public servant, such as a police officer: 6 months to 3 years' jail and fine.
Earlier: IPC Section 170Read the official text
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Section 308
Extortion: making someone hand over money by putting them in fear of injury or of being accused of a crime.
Earlier: IPC Sections 383–389Read the official text
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 — Section 318(4)
Cheating someone into handing over money or property: up to 7 years' jail and fine.
Earlier: IPC Section 420Read the official text
Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs — advisory on 'digital arrest' scams (October 2024)
CBI, police, customs, ED or judges do not arrest anyone on a video call; report such calls to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Where to get help

National Cyber Crime Helpline

Report online financial fraud immediately so the money trail can be frozen.

Call 1930 cybercrime.gov.in

Sanchar Saathi

Report fraud calls/SMS (Chakshu), block a lost phone (CEIR), check SIMs in your name.

sancharsaathi.gov.in

Emergency (ERSS)

Police, fire or ambulance in an emergency, anywhere in India.

Call 112

Source & status

Applies to: All of India
Law in force since: 1 Jul 2024
Legal review: Draft — awaiting lawyer review

Educational information, not legal advice for your case. Exact facts and the law that applies matter — speak to a lawyer before acting.