New Delhi: Digital arrest scams have surged significantly over the past three years, with scammers posing as law enforcement officials to extort money from victims through audio or video calls. According to the Times of India, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) recorded 39,925 such cases in 2022, causing losses of Rs 91 crore. By 2024, this number had nearly tripled to 1,23,672 cases, with total losses soaring to Rs 1,935.5 crore — nearly 20 times higher than in 2022. In just the first two months of 2025, there were already 17,718 cases reported, involving Rs 210.2 crore.
Digital Arrest Scams: Fraud Tactics, Police Action, and Prevention Measures
These scams typically involve fraudsters contacting victims via video calls, falsely accusing them or their family members of serious crimes like drug trafficking or money laundering. Victims are pressured into transferring money online to a specified account to “prove” their innocence. The scammers’ authoritative approach often forces victims into immediate compliance.
The Delhi Police stated that upon receiving a complaint, they act swiftly to freeze the targeted account and block the stolen funds. Officers then track the linked account numbers and call records. Despite fraudsters’ attempts to erase digital footprints, law enforcement has successfully identified and apprehended several culprits in many cases, according to a senior cyber cell officer. The alarming rise in such scams highlights the urgent need for public awareness and stronger cybersecurity measures to prevent further financial losses.
Summary:
Digital arrest scams have risen sharply, with 1,23,672 cases reported in 2024, causing Rs 1,935.5 crore in losses. Fraudsters impersonate officials, falsely accuse victims, and demand payments. Delhi Police actively tracks and freezes accounts, emphasizing the need for public awareness and stronger cybersecurity measures to prevent such scams.
