A caller says they are from the police, the CBI, or customs. They show a uniform on a video call. They say your Aadhaar or a parcel is linked to a crime. They tell you to stay on the call and move money to prove you are innocent. This is always a scam. It has a name, digital arrest, and none of it is real.
Why it feels so real
These callers are trained to frighten you. They use official sounding words, fake ID cards, and real details like your name or address that they found in a data leak or online. They keep you on the call for hours so you have no time to think or check with anyone. Feeling scared does not mean you did something wrong. It means the trick is working, and that is your signal to stop.
What to do during the call
- Cut the call. You do not owe them a conversation.
- Do not move to another room or open a new safe account. That instruction is part of the trick.
- Do not send any money, not even a small test amount.
- Call a family member or a friend right away. Scammers rely on keeping you alone and afraid.
- If you can, note the number and take a screenshot before you block them.
If you already paid
You still have strong ground to stand on. Money paid out of fear and threats was not money you gave freely, and that matters for your case. Move quickly.
- Call 1930 to start a freeze on the scammer's account.
- File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in and save the complaint ID.
- Report the number on the Chakshu portal so it gets blocked for others.
- Tell your bank and ask them to flag the transaction as fraud.
Protect the older people in your life
Digital arrest scams hit older people hardest, because the fear of police trouble runs deep. Tell your parents and grandparents one simple rule. No real police officer will ever video call them and ask for money. If a call like that comes, they should hang up and call you. A two minute chat today can save them from a terrible day later.
Common questions
Can the police really arrest someone over a video call?
No. There is no law that allows an arrest by video call in India. Police do not collect fines or bail money over the phone. Any call that claims this is a scam, every single time.
They knew my name and address. Does that mean it is real?
No. Scammers buy or find personal details from leaks and public sources. Knowing your name proves nothing. A real case never starts with a threatening phone call demanding money.
I already transferred the money. Is it gone?
Not always. If you report to 1930 quickly, the money can sometimes be frozen before the scammer moves it. Even if it has moved, filing a complaint is the only way to have any chance of getting it back, so do it now.
Should I call the number back to sort it out?
No. Do not call back or reply. Block the number, keep a screenshot of it, and report it on the Chakshu portal so it can be blocked for everyone.
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