New Delhi: Thousands of Indians have been victims of digital arrest scam in recent years, having lost crores of rupees to the alarming cyber fraud which has been on the rise.
In a major crackdown, the Indian government has blocked around 7.81 lakh SIM cards and over 2 lakh IMEI numbers linked to cybercrime, particularly the serious menace of digital arrest scams.
To combat the alarming trend, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) established Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which is responsible for awareness campaigns and enforcement measures against those scams.
Its efforts have resulted in the identification and blocking of 83,668 WhatsApp and 3,962 Skype accounts.
Sanjay Bandi Kumar, minister of State for Home Affairs, shared the information in response to a question raised in Rajya Sabha.
The minister revealed that the blocked accounts were used by cybercriminals.
The modus operandi of fraudsters is by impersonating law enforcement officials and military personnel, using video calls, to coerce unsuspecting victims into believing they are under a ‘digital arrest.’ They demand hefty sums in exchange for avoiding fabricated legal consequences.
As per data shared by the government, 39,925 cases related to digital arrest were recorded in 2022, with victims losing Rs 91.14 crore. The numbers rose to 60,676 cases and Rs 339.03 crore, respectively, in 2023, while in 2024, the government recorded 123,672 cases of digital arrest scam, resulting in losses of Rs 1,935.51 crore.
In just two months of 2025, there have been 17,718 cases of digital arrest scam already, with victims losing Rs 210.21 crore.
How to stay safe from digital arrest
Here are some safety tips:
* If someone claims to be a government official, verify their identity by contacting the official agency directly using their publicly available contact information.
* Be cautious of calls from unofficial numbers or email addresses claiming to be from law enforcement. Government officials will never call and ask for sensitive information over calls.
* Watch out for pressure tactics, like threats of immediate arrest or demands for secrecy.
* Be wary of requests for money transfers or sensitive personal information.
* Most importantly, be calm if you receive such calls because scamsters want to create fear and a sense of urgency. If under doubt, consult with a trusted family member or friend before taking any action.
What to do if you lose money
Anyone falling victim to digital arrest scam should take following steps:
* Call 1930 — the Cyber Crime Helpline operates 24/7 to assist cyber fraud victims. Lodge a complaint as soon as possible to enhance the chances of recovering money.
* Visit local police station to file an FIR by providing all relevant details including call recordings, screenshots, and messages from the scammers.
* Save any evidence related to the scam, such as bank transaction details, phone numbers and email addresses used by fraudsters. It will help authorities investigate the case.
* If you have shared bank details or transferred money, inform our bank immediately to block further transactions and secure your account.
