Hyderabad police warn public against rise in ‘digital arrest’ cyber frauds

The Cyber Crime Wing of the Hyderabad Police issued an advisory cautioning citizens about a rise in ‘digital arrest’ frauds, in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officers, government officials or courier company staff to extort money and personal information from victims.

Police said fraudsters contact people through phone calls, WhatsApp messages and video calls, falsely claiming that the victim is involved in serious crimes such as money laundering, narcotics trafficking, human trafficking or even terrorism. Victims are then threatened with immediate arrest, freezing of bank accounts or legal action in an attempt to create fear and panic.

According to the advisory, the fraudsters pose as officials from agencies such as the police, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Customs, Enforcement Directorate, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), Department of Telecommunications, National Investigation Agency (NIA) or ATS. To make their claims appear genuine, they send forged documents including FIRs, non-bailable arrest warrants and fake letters purportedly issued by the Reserve Bank of India. In several cases, the scammers have also threatened damage to the victim’s family reputation.

The police categorically said that there is no such concept as a digital arrest. Police or any law enforcement agency do not arrest people over phone or video calls, nor do they demand money to clear names, stop arrests or issue certificates. Officials said such threats are entirely fake and are designed to exploit fear and lack of awareness.

National Cybercrime Helpline 1930

The advisory also asked victims and others to preserve evidence such as call records, WhatsApp messages, emails, screenshots, transaction details and app installation history. Suspected frauds should be reported without delay to the National Cybercrime Helpline by dialling 1930 or through the official portal cybercrime.gov.in.