Digital arrest scam what it is and how it works

By Advocate Panchanand Shaw, Bar Council of West Bengal · Published 2 Nov 2026 · Online fraud

The digital arrest scam involves fraudsters impersonating police or customs officers to extort money over video calls. Victims are falsely told they are under investigation and must pay to avoid arrest. Under BNS 2023 and the IT Act 2000, these acts constitute criminal impersonation, extortion, and cheating.

The digital arrest scam is a sophisticated form of cyber fraud that has become increasingly common in India. The fraudster poses as a police officer, customs official, or representative of a law enforcement agency. They contact the victim through a video call, often using a fake uniform and a fabricated background resembling a police station. The caller claims that the victim is involved in a serious crime such as money laundering, drug trafficking, or terrorism. They threaten immediate arrest unless the victim pays a large sum of money. The victim is kept on the call for hours and is psychologically manipulated into transferring funds. The scam exploits the victim's fear of the police and the legal system.

The digital arrest scam operates on a simple but effective premise. The fraudster creates a sense of urgency and panic. They may show fake arrest warrants, identity cards, or court orders. They may also claim that the victim's bank account has been used for illegal transactions. The victim is told not to disconnect the call or inform anyone, as this would obstruct the investigation. The fraudster then directs the victim to transfer money to a designated bank account or UPI ID. In some cases, the victim is asked to share their bank account details, OTPs, or passwords. Once the money is transferred, the fraudster disconnects the call and disappears. The victim realizes the fraud only after the money is gone.

The fraudsters use sophisticated psychological tactics to keep the victim on the call. They create a sense of isolation and fear. They may claim that the victim's family members will also be arrested if they disconnect the call. They may also use background noises of a police station to make the call seem authentic. The victim is often too scared to verify the caller's identity. The fraudsters exploit this fear to extract money. They may also ask the victim to install remote access apps on their phone. This allows the fraudsters to access the victim's banking apps and steal money directly. You must never install unknown apps on your phone during such calls. The fraudsters often target elderly people and those who are unfamiliar with technology.

In Kolkata, the cyber crime cell of the Kolkata Police handles digital arrest scam cases. The cell has specialized units for tracing financial frauds and identifying the fraudsters. The Bankshall Court and the City Sessions Court have jurisdiction over these cases. The Calcutta High Court hears appeals and bail applications. If you are a victim in Kolkata, you can file your complaint at the local police station or directly with the cyber crime cell. The police will register an FIR under the relevant sections of the BNS 2023 and the IT Act 2000.

What the law says

The digital arrest scam involves several criminal offences under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023. Section 316 deals with cheating, which applies when the fraudster dishonestly induces the victim to deliver money. Section 319 deals with personation, which applies when the fraudster pretends to be a police officer. Section 308 deals with extortion, which applies when the fraudster threatens the victim to obtain money. These offences carry imprisonment of up to seven years and fines. The BNS 2023 also provides for aggravated forms of cheating when the fraud is committed using a computer resource.

The Information Technology Act 2000 provides additional penalties for cyber fraud. Section 66D punishes cheating by personation using a computer resource. Section 66C deals with identity theft, which applies when the fraudster uses stolen credentials or fake documents. Section 67 penalizes the publication of obscene material, which is sometimes used in related scams. The IT Act also empowers the police to investigate cyber crimes and request data from intermediaries. Section 79 requires intermediaries to comply with lawful requests for data. The BNSS 2023 provides the procedural framework for investigation. Section 173 allows a victim to file an FIR. Section 175(3) allows a victim to approach the magistrate if the police refuse to register the FIR. The BSA 2023 governs the admissibility of electronic evidence, including the call recordings and chat logs.

The RBI directions on unauthorized transactions provide financial remedies. These directions mandate that banks must offer zero liability to customers if the fraud is reported within three working days. The bank must reverse the unauthorized debits and block the recipient's account. The customer must report the fraud to the bank's nodal officer and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. If the bank fails to comply, the customer can escalate the matter to the RBI Ombudsman. The RBI directions also require banks to maintain a robust grievance redressal mechanism for fraud victims.

Step-by-step procedure to report the scam

Follow these steps immediately after realizing you have been targeted by a digital arrest scam:

Disconnect the call: Do not engage with the fraudster any longer. Disconnect the video call and block the number. Do not share any personal or financial information. Do not transfer any more money.
Preserve the evidence: Take screenshots of the video call, the caller's ID, and the chat messages. Save the call logs and the payment transaction details. Do not delete the original app or format your device.
Report to the cyber police: Call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Provide all the details of the fraud, including the fraudster's phone number, bank account details, and the amount transferred.
Inform your bank: Call your bank's customer care and report the unauthorized transactions. Send a written email to the bank's nodal officer with the transaction details. Under RBI directions, you must report the fraud within three working days to claim zero liability.
File an FIR: Visit your local police station and file a written complaint under BNSS 2023 s 173. The police must register an FIR for a cognizable offence. Provide a copy of your complaint to the cyber crime branch.
Approach the magistrate if needed: If the police refuse to register your FIR, you can file a complaint before the magistrate under BNSS 2023 s 175(3). The magistrate will direct the police to register the FIR and investigate.
Seek legal advice: Consult a cyber crime lawyer to understand your legal rights and the remedies available. A lawyer can help you file a civil suit for damages and pursue the criminal case.

Documents and timelines

The following table outlines the key documents required and the statutory timelines for reporting a digital arrest scam:

Action	Required Documents	Statutory Timeline
Reporting to cyber police	Screenshots, call logs, bank statements	Immediate, within 48 hours of incident
Reporting to bank	Transaction receipts, written complaint	Within 3 working days for zero liability
Filing FIR	Written complaint, identity proof, evidence copy	Immediate registration under BNSS 2023 s 173
Investigation by police	Forensic report, bank account details	Within 60 days for completion of investigation

What decides the outcome

The outcome of a digital arrest scam case depends on several factors. The speed of reporting is the most critical factor. If you report within the golden hour, the police and bank can freeze the fraudster's account before the money is withdrawn. The quality of evidence is equally important. Clear screenshots of the video call and the payment transactions help the police trace the accused. The jurisdiction of the crime also plays a role. If the fraudster operates from another state or country, the investigation takes longer. The cooperation of the bank is another factor. Banks are bound by RBI directions to act promptly on unauthorized transaction reports.

The legal representation matters significantly. A cyber crime lawyer in Kolkata can help you navigate the complex legal process. They can assist you in drafting the complaint and gathering the required evidence. They can also represent you in the civil suit and the criminal trial. You can find more information about cyber crime lawyer in Kolkata for legal assistance. For information on criminal defense in such cases, you can read about criminal defense on our website.

The willingness of the victim to cooperate with the investigation is also crucial. You must provide all the evidence and attend all hearings to ensure the case progresses. The court may also consider the severity of the threats and the amount of money involved. In cases involving serious threats or large sums of money, the court is likely to take a stricter view of the offence.

What happens after you report

Once your complaint is registered on cybercrime.gov.in and the FIR is recorded under Section 173 of the BNSS 2023, the cyber crime cell starts two parallel tracks. The first is financial: the officer asks your bank and the recipient's bank to freeze the beneficiary account and to obtain the account-opening records and transaction history of the mule accounts. The second is technical: the cell asks the intermediary that hosted the video call to preserve the caller's subscriber details and IP logs. Your screenshots and call recordings then have to be authenticated under Section 63 of the BSA 2023 before they can be relied on in court. If the money has already left the country, the police route the request through the international cooperation channels available under the IT Act 2000.

Common mistakes to avoid

Victims often make mistakes that hinder recovery. Do not continue the call or engage with the fraudster. Do not transfer any more money. Do not share your bank account details, OTPs, or passwords. Do not delete the chat history or the payment receipts. Deleting evidence destroys the digital trail and weakens your case. Do not delay reporting to the bank and police. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to freeze the stolen funds.

Another common mistake is failing to inform the bank immediately. You must report the fraud to the bank's nodal officer within three working days to claim zero liability. You must also avoid posting about the incident on social media. This can alert the fraudster and lead to further harassment. Always consult a lawyer before taking any legal action.

When to involve a lawyer

You should involve a lawyer if the police refuse to register your FIR or if the bank fails to reverse the transaction. A lawyer can help you file a complaint before the magistrate under BNSS 2023 s 175(3). They can also assist you in drafting the complaint and gathering the required evidence. If the fraudster is identified and arrested, a lawyer can represent you during the bail hearing and trial. A lawyer can also help you file a civil suit for damages. If you are facing a digital arrest scam in Kolkata, you can contact Advocate Panchanand Shaw for legal assistance.

A lawyer can also help you negotiate with the bank and the RBI Ombudsman. They can draft the legal notices and represent you in the proceedings. You should consult a lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure a fair investigation. The lawyer can also help you understand the realistic timeline for your specific case and pursue all available remedies simultaneously.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the digital arrest scam in India?

The digital arrest scam involves fraudsters impersonating police or customs officials on video calls. They falsely claim the victim is involved in a crime and demand money to avoid arrest. Under BNS 2023 s 316 and IT Act 2000 s 66D, this constitutes cheating and impersonation.

How do I know if a video call is a digital arrest scam?

A genuine police officer will never arrest you over a video call or demand money. Any call threatening immediate arrest unless you pay is a scam. Real police investigations follow BNSS 2023 procedures, which require physical notices under Section 35. If you are unsure, disconnect the call and verify the caller through the local police station before acting on any demand.

Can the police actually arrest someone over a video call?

No, the police cannot legally arrest someone over a video call in India. Arrest procedures under BNSS 2023 s 35 require the officer to physically touch or confine the person. Digital arrests are illegal and constitute a criminal offence by the fraudsters. A caller who claims otherwise is impersonating a police officer, which is itself an offence under the BNS 2023 and the IT Act 2000.

What should I do if I am on a video call with a fake police officer?

Disconnect the call immediately and do not share any personal or financial information. Take screenshots or record the call as evidence. Report the incident to the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or on cybercrime.gov.in. You should also inform your bank if you have shared any account details.

What are the punishments for digital arrest fraudsters?

Digital arrest fraudsters face punishment under BNS 2023 s 316 for cheating and s 319 for personation. The IT Act 2000 s 66D punishes cheating by personation using a computer resource. These offences carry imprisonment of up to seven years and fines. The exact sentence depends on the amount involved and the nature of the impersonation, and the court decides it on the facts of the case.

Can I recover money paid to a digital arrest scammer?

Yes, you can recover money if you report quickly to the bank and police. The RBI directions on unauthorized transactions allow banks to reverse fraudulent debits reported within three working days. Filing an FIR under BNS 2023 and IT Act 2000 helps police freeze the recipient's account.

How do I report a digital arrest scam in Kolkata?

Report a digital arrest scam in Kolkata by calling 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in. You can also file a written complaint at the local police station under BNSS 2023 s 173. The Kolkata Police cyber cell will register an FIR and initiate an investigation into the fraudulent transactions.

Information for general guidance only and not legal advice. Provisions cited follow the Information Technology Act 2000, the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023 and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita 2023.

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