Digital arrest cyber fraud has caused losses of ₹4,057.7 crore across India between 2022 and May 2026, with 297,727 complaints registered during the period, according to government data. Fraudsters allegedly impersonated officials from agencies including the CBI, ED, RBI and Finance Ministry to intimidate victims and force them to transfer money into fraudulent accounts.
2024 Saw Highest Number of Complaints
Official data shows that 2024 recorded the highest number of digital arrest complaints. Authorities received 123,672 complaints during the year, with reported financial losses of nearly ₹1,935.5 crore.
In the first five months of 2026 alone, 15,215 complaints were registered, involving losses of ₹481.1 crore. The figures indicate the growing scale of digital arrest scams and their impact on individuals across the country.
Fraudsters Pose as Government Officials
Investigations indicate that cybercriminals commonly pose as officials from government agencies and accuse victims of links to money laundering, illegal parcels, international financial crimes or other serious offences. Victims are then placed under pressure through prolonged video calls.
The fraudsters allegedly threaten arrest, freezing of bank accounts or criminal prosecution. In many cases, victims are told not to contact family members or anyone else and are instructed to remain on video calls until the so-called investigation is completed.
Citizens Urged to Verify and Report
Cybersecurity experts have clarified that no government agency conducts investigations by keeping citizens on video calls or asking them to transfer money into bank accounts. Citizens have been advised to remain calm, independently verify the identity of anyone claiming to represent a government authority and avoid acting under pressure.
Authorities have also urged people not to share OTPs, bank account details, card information, Aadhaar details or other sensitive personal data with unknown callers. Victims have been advised to immediately report such fraud by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline on 1930 or filing a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
