Emails that are not meant for me: Digital Arrest is a scam!

Tuesday, 10 February 2026

Digital Arrest is a scam!

There is no such thing as a Digital Arrest in Law!

What is a Digital Arrest scam?

Scammers impersonate police officers or government officials on voice calls or video calls, threatening Digital Arrest, claiming that your name is linked to a crime

Crimes that fraudsters can link you to

•		Illegal drug parcels found in customs

•		Suspicious or fraudulent banking transactions

•		Money laundering activities

•		Terrorist financing

•		Tax evasion cases

How to spot a Digital Arrest scam

•		Sudden threats of arrest - first ‘digitally’, then physically

•		Fake evidence like Digital Arrest warrants or forged court orders

•		Unexpected video calls from unknown callers

•		High pressure tactics such as fear, urgency and repeated calling

•		Demands for immediate payment to avoid arrest

•		Fraudsters stop victims from contacting family or friends to prevent any guidance

•		Fraudsters convince victims to appear calm and behave normally to avoid suspicion when withdrawing money from a Branch

How to stay safe

•		Do not panic - there is nothing like Digital Arrest

•		Never trust unsolicited calls claiming to be from law enforcement agencies

•		No genuine law enforcement official will ask for money transfers or interrogate via video calls

•		Do not make any payments under pressure

Report

Any online interaction that asks for money, creates urgency or requests secrecy is a red flag.

•		Report online fraud on the National Cyber Crime portal at cybercrime.gov.in, call on the helpline number 1930 or call ICICI Bank’s helpline on 1800 2662

•		If you have received any malicious / phishing / suspicious e-mails or calls, please report these to Sanchar Saathi at sancharsaathi.gov.in and to ICICI Bank at antiphishing@icicibank.com