The most important message is simple: Do not panic, and do not transfer money under pressure. A threatening phone call or video call does not, by itself, establish that a person is under arrest. Intimidation over a video call is not a substitute for lawful arrest or legal procedure.
To protect themselves, individuals should independently verify the caller’s identity through official government or law-enforcement channels. They should never share OTPs, passwords, banking credentials, or screen-sharing access with unknown callers. Any demand to transfer money to avoid arrest or settle an alleged criminal case should be treated as a serious warning sign.
If someone encounters a suspected digital arrest scam, they should end the suspicious communication, preserve call records, messages, phone numbers, screenshots, and transaction details, and promptly inform their bank if money has been transferred. Suspected cybercrime can be reported through the official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in or by calling 1930 for financial cyber fraud assistance. Prompt reporting may help authorities take timely action, although recovery of funds cannot be guaranteed.
From a legal perspective, victims should not allow fear or intimidation to prevent them from seeking assistance. Depending on the circumstances, they may approach the appropriate authorities and obtain independent legal advice regarding complaints, investigations, and available remedies.
Public awareness remains one of the strongest defences against such fraud. Families should educate senior citizens and other vulnerable individuals about these tactics and encourage them to verify alarming claims before taking any action.
Advocate Nakul Manuja, Founder of Nakul Manuja & Associates, emphasises the importance of awareness, independent verification, and timely reporting in addressing digital arrest scams. Empowering citizens with practical legal knowledge can help ensure that fear does not become a tool for financial exploitation.
The message is clear: Stay calm, verify independently, preserve evidence, and seek help through official channels. Awareness and timely action can make a meaningful difference in protecting citizens from cybercrime.
Advocate Nakul Manuja
Founder | Nakul Manuja & Associates
Advocate | Delhi High Court & Supreme Court of India
Website: www.manujaassociates.com
