Lucknow, August 27: The Lucknow Police Commissionerate has launched ‘Operation Digital Kavach’ to combat the growing threat of cyber fraud carried out in the name of “digital arrest”.
The campaign brings together technical investigation, monitoring of banking transactions, immediate freezing or placing of fraudulent funds under lien, recovery of money for victims, arrest of accused and public awareness initiatives.
Lucknow Police Launches Operation Digital Kavach
According to police, between August 1 and August 20, the cyber cell succeeded in placing ₹2,40,56,807 linked to cybercrime complaints on hold or lien.
During the same period, coordinated financial intervention resulted in ₹16,97,462.72 being refunded to victims. In addition, the cyber police station separately facilitated the return of around ₹24 lakh to victims in different cases.
The figures highlight the importance of rapid financial intervention after cyber fraud is reported.
₹2.40 Crore Put on Hold in Cyber Fraud Cases
Under the operation, investigators are analysing banking transactions, digital evidence and complete money trails to identify those behind the alleged frauds and trace their networks.
Technical and financial leads are also being examined to identify cybercriminals operating across state borders.
The focus is on initiating action immediately after a complaint is received so that defrauded funds can be stopped before they are transferred through multiple accounts.
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How Digital Arrest Scams Target Victims
In digital arrest scams, fraudsters impersonate police officers, Central Bureau of Investigation officials, Enforcement Directorate personnel, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India representatives or officials of other government agencies.
They threaten victims with arrest, fabricated criminal cases or money laundering investigations. Victims are often kept on video calls for extended periods and subjected to intense psychological pressure before being forced to transfer money.
The fraud typically relies on creating fear and urgency so that victims transfer funds without independently verifying the claims.
No Legal Procedure Called Digital Arrest
Police have made it clear that there is no legal procedure called “digital arrest.”
No police officer or government investigative agency arrests a person through a video call. Similarly, no legitimate agency asks an individual to transfer money to avoid arrest or have a criminal case closed.
Any caller making such demands should be treated as suspicious and the communication should be independently verified through official channels.
Prof Triveni Singh Warns About Psychological Pressure
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said the biggest weapon used in digital arrest scams is not technology but psychological pressure.
Fraudsters exploit the authority and identity of government institutions to create fear and prevent victims from thinking clearly or consulting others.
He advised people to disconnect from suspicious calls, independently verify the claims with the concerned agency and immediately report the incident by calling 1930.
1930 Helpline Crucial for Digital Fraud Recovery
Police have urged citizens to contact the national cybercrime helpline 1930 immediately after becoming victims of cyber fraud.
According to investigators, the first few minutes and hours are crucial for recovering money. Any delay can allow fraudsters to move the funds through multiple bank accounts, making them more difficult to trace and freeze.
Rapid reporting can therefore give banks and law enforcement agencies a better opportunity to intervene in the movement of fraudulent funds.
Operation Digital Kavach Focuses on Money Recovery
The Lucknow Police initiative is not limited to identifying cybercriminals.
Investigators are simultaneously working on financial intervention and recovery by tracking transactions and attempting to place suspected fraudulent funds on hold or lien.
The return of funds to victims is an important part of the operation, alongside investigation and arrest of those allegedly involved.
Senior Citizens Among Key Targets of Digital Arrest Scams
Public awareness is another major component of Operation Digital Kavach.
Citizens are being informed about the methods used in digital arrest scams, with particular emphasis on protecting senior citizens.
Police have appealed to families to educate elderly relatives about suspicious video calls, threatening phone calls and demands for immediate financial transfers.
Families are also encouraged to ensure that elderly relatives know that legitimate police and government agencies do not demand money over video calls to prevent arrest.
UP Police Digital Arrest Awareness Film Features Nana Patekar
The Lucknow Police are also promoting a digital arrest awareness film prepared by the Uttar Pradesh Police.
Featuring actor Nana Patekar, the film explains how such frauds are carried out and how citizens can protect themselves.
The campaign carries the message: “Watch one video, make one family aware.”
The initiative is aimed at increasing awareness of digital arrest scams and encouraging families to discuss common warning signs with vulnerable members.
Police Target Entire Digital Arrest Fraud Chain
The police said the objective of Operation Digital Kavach is not limited to action after a fraud has occurred.
It aims to target the entire chain of digital arrest fraud—from receiving complaints and conducting technical investigations to financial intervention, recovery of defrauded money, arrest of accused and public awareness.
By integrating these measures, Lucknow Police are seeking to strengthen the response against organised digital arrest fraud networks and improve the chances of stopping fraudulent funds before they move beyond the reach of investigators.
About the author — Ananya Aradhya writes on cybercrime, fraud, scams, cybersecurity, digital safety, and emerging threats. Her work also covers major criminal cases, financial frauds, consumer scams, and stories that highlight risks affecting people in the real and digital world.
