The 'digital arrest' scam: what it is and what to do
What the message looks like
A video call from "police", "CBI" or "customs" about a parcel with drugs or a case in your name. You're told to stay on camera and pay to clear your name.
How to tell it's a scam
It starts with a call about a parcel with drugs in it, a SIM used in a crime or your Aadhaar being misused. You're passed to someone in uniform on a video call, sometimes in what looks like a police station, who says you are under 'digital arrest' and must stay on camera.
Then they ask you to transfer money to 'verify' it or to a 'safe' government account, and tell you not to tell anyone. The government has warned that there is no such thing as a digital arrest, and real police don't arrest anyone over a video call or ask for money.
End the call. Don't send money. If you've already paid, call 1930 at once: the sooner it's reported, the better the chance of stopping the money.
The tell: This is a scam that the Government of India warns about. Hang up and report it on 1930.
Got one? Check it in seconds
Paste the message into Alice's free scam checker. It shows the warning signs and the exact words that set them off, and the check runs on your own device.
Check a messageAlready clicked, paid or shared details?
If money has gone, call 1930 straight away. Reporting quickly gives the best chance of stopping the money. Then call your bank on the number on your card.
Where to report it in India
- Lost money to fraud (24/7, call at once): 1930, or report at cybercrime.gov.in
- Fraud calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages: report them on Chakshu at sancharsaathi.gov.in
- In danger now: call 112
Contacts checked on each organisation's own website, September 2026.
What to do with a message you're not sure about
- Don't click the link, reply, or call the number in the message.
- Check for yourself: open the company's own app, or type its website address yourself.
- If it claims to be family, call them on the number you already have.
- Report it (below), then delete it.
Warn your family or group chat
Scams work best on people who haven't seen them before.
Not sure? Ask Alice
Paste the message into a chat and choose "Is this a scam?". Alice lists the warning signs she can see, gives a verdict, and tells you where to report it. Leave out your own account numbers — she never needs them.
General guidance, not legal or financial advice. If money has already gone, contact your bank first.