Digital Arrest: How to Protect Yourself From This Dangerous Online Scam, Know Tips & Measures

What is Digital Arrest: Digital arrest is a new and rapidly expanding type of cyber-scam in which fraudsters impersonate government officials to extort personal information and money from victims. They accuse people of major crimes like money laundering, tax evasion, and drug trafficking while impersonating police officers, CBI agents, income tax officials, or customs officers. These scammers take advantage of the victim's fear by threatening immediate arrest unless they comply with their demands. They may even make video calls while dressed in uniforms or stage a fake government office to appear legitimate. Their major purpose is to cause fear and coerce the victim into disclosing sensitive information or transferring funds.

Digital Arrest Precaution Tips

To prevent falling victim to these scams, never trust calls from unknown numbers, particularly those from social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Facebook, or Instagram. If you receive such a call, stay calm and avoid long chats. Never provide personal or financial information under any circumstances. Verify suspicious numbers with apps like Truecaller and disconnect immediately if the call appears weird. Stay alert and educate yourself about such frauds, since digital fraud is growing at an alarming rate.