Digital Arrest Scam in India: How It Happens, Case Study & What To Do Immediately (BNS Guide)

Fraudsters impersonate police/CBI/ED and claim you are linked to a criminal case (often using Aadhaar/phone number as the “hook”).

They isolate you, threaten arrest, and push you to transfer money immediately.

A professional received a call from a person claiming to be from a central agency.

The caller claimed her Aadhaar was linked to a crime and said an FIR was registered.

She was forced onto a video call for “verification” and threatened with immediate arrest.

Under fear and urgency, she transferred money. Later, she realised it was a fraud.

1. Initial call: fake authority (police/CBI/ED).
2. Identity shock: “You are linked to a crime / money laundering / drugs / Aadhaar misuse.”
3. Isolation: “Do not tell anyone; your phone is under surveillance.”
4. Intimidation: threat of arrest/jail on video call.
5. Urgency: immediate payment demand to “close” or “verify” the case.

Commonly relevant provisions (high level):

• BNS 2023: Section 316 — cheating (earlier IPC 420)
• BNS 2023: Section 318 — cheating by personation (earlier IPC 419)
• IT Act 2000: Section 66D — cheating by personation using computer resources
• IT Act 2000: Section 66C — identity theft

1. Disconnect the call and stop all communication.
2. Call Cyber Fraud Helpline 1930 to attempt fast transaction blocking.
3. Inform your bank immediately and request a transaction freeze/reversal (share transaction IDs/UTR).
4. Preserve evidence: call recordings, screenshots, chat logs, bank SMS, transaction IDs, phone numbers.
5. File a complaint online on the official portal and save the acknowledgement number.

Use the official cybercrime portal:

For emergencies, contact local police. National police helpline: 112 • National women helpline: 181 • Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930

• File FIR/complaint under BNS and applicable IT Act sections
• Seek fund recovery through bank + investigation coordination
• Escalate through proper channels if delays occur
• Approach court if needed for directions or relief

• Police never demand money on calls/video.
• Never share OTP, PIN, or screen-share access.
• Verify identity independently using official channels.
• Do not panic under threats; urgency is a manipulation tactic.

Use IPC ↔ BNS Converter (Vakilpedia):

Use EvidenceHash to preserve digital proof:

Barelex (coming soon):

If you or your client has faced a digital arrest scam, time is critical. You can consult Gujral Law Chambers for cyber fraud cases, FIR drafting, and recovery proceedings:

Digital arrest scams are not law—they are fraud.

Act fast, preserve proof, and use the official cybercrime process to regain control.