Shikha Goel, IPS: Govt moves to curb ‘digital arrest’ scam calls

HYDERABAD: Shikha Goel, IPS, has warned citizens against rising cases of fraudsters impersonating police and threatening victims with “digital arrest” to extort money. She said the central government has issued directions to telecom operators to identify and block international call spoofing, a method used by scammers to make overseas calls appear as if they are from Indian numbers.

Scammers use fake police threats to extort money

Fraudsters commonly impersonate police or government officials over calls, video calls and messaging apps, show doctored documents or spoof phone numbers, and pressure victims to transfer funds or reveal banking OTPs. Experts say the ruse is designed to create panic so victims act without checking.

Act fast — the first hour is critical

Police and cyber specialists stress the importance of quick reporting: victims should contact the 1930 helpline at the earliest — ideally within the first 60 minutes — to improve the chance of freezing transactions and tracing mule accounts.

How to respond to a suspected ‘digital arrest’ call

If you receive such a call or message:

• Do not panic or transfer money.
• Do not disclose OTPs, bank details or passwords.
• Hang up and verify the claim through official channels.
• Report immediately to the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or file a complaint on the government cybercrime portal. Cybercrime.gov.in 1