Additional Commissioner of Police Rajeev Narain Mishra speaks on Threat of Digital Arrest

“Digital arrest” has emerged as an alarming form of cyber fraud. Could you explain how these scams operate?

The police department is actively conducting cyber awareness drives, as cybercrime has taken many forms today—one of them being what is commonly referred to as “digital arrest.” To be very clear, there is no such thing as a digital arrest in law.

In most reported cases, senior citizens are the primary targets. The fraud usually begins with a phone call claiming that a courier in the victim’s name is carrying illegal items such as drugs. The caller then psychologically manipulates the victim, creating fear and confusion, to the extent that the person starts believing the false narrative.

Once trust is established often using leaked or shared personal data, the fraudsters stage fake virtual court proceedings. They compel the victim to install remote-access applications, thereby taking control of the victim’s phone. The victim is told that a penalty must be paid to avoid legal action and that the money will be refunded later. In some cases, victims are forced to remain on video call and are instructed not to switch off their phones. This sustained psychological pressure leads many innocent people to fall into the trap.

People are losing their life savings due to such fraud. What psychological tactics do cyber criminals use?

Fraudsters primarily exploit greed and fear. Whether it is a senior citizen or a younger individual, people are often tempted by promises of easy or assured returns. Victims are asked to download suspicious apps or join investment groups where fake success stories are showcased. Initially, small returns may be shown to build confidence, but eventually the victim loses a large sum of money.

Another tactic is gaining trust by sharing personal information such as retirement details, date of birth, or banking-related data. When people hear accurate personal details, they assume the caller is genuine, which makes them more vulnerable.

How do cyber criminals gain access to such sensitive personal information?

Data security is one of the biggest challenges today. Downloading unauthorised applications, clicking on unverified links, and granting unnecessary app permissions often result in personal data being shared in the open domain. Therefore, it is crucial to download applications only from secure and authentic platforms and to carefully review permissions before granting access.

What preventive measures can citizens take, especially to protect the elderly?

Families must sit together and openly discuss cyber fraud. Elderly members should be informed and sensitised that such practices are illegal and that law enforcement agencies never conduct arrests or court proceedings over video calls.

If someone becomes a victim of cyber fraud, they should immediately call 1930—preferably within the golden hour, which is within an hour of the incident. Complaints registered through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) can lead to swift freezing of fraudulent transactions. Additionally, the incident should be reported at the nearest police station without delay.