Ranchi: Amid the growing threat of cyber-enabled financial fraud across India, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has reiterated that “digital arrest” has no legal existence under Indian law. The agency has advised citizens to immediately treat as fraud any attempt by individuals posing as CBI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the police or any other government authority who demand money, conduct interrogations over video calls or threaten arrest. To strengthen public protection against such scams, the CBI has introduced ABHAY, a real-time helpbot that enables citizens to verify the authenticity of notices issued in the agency’s name.
According to the CBI, cybercriminals have increasingly been using forged notices, fake arrest warrants and fabricated summons bearing the names of government agencies to deceive victims into transferring large sums of money. In many cases, fraudsters keep victims under continuous surveillance through video calls for several hours—or even days—while falsely claiming they are under investigation in serious criminal cases. The prolonged psychological pressure often compels victims to comply with illegal financial demands.
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To counter this growing trend, the CBI developed the ABHAY helpbot. Citizens who receive a notice claiming to be from the CBI can access the service through the agency’s official website. After verifying their mobile number through a one-time password (OTP), users can upload a scanned copy of the notice. The system then determines whether the document is genuine or potentially fraudulent, helping citizens avoid falling victim to forged government documents and impersonation scams.
The CBI has further advised the public not to trust suspicious phone calls, investment offers, official-looking notices or messages referring to so-called digital arrests. Anyone who receives demands for money, requests to disclose banking information or instructions to remain on a video call from someone claiming to represent a government agency should immediately report the matter through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal or the nearest cyber police station.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also stepped up public awareness regarding digital arrest scams. The agency has published guidance on its official website and social media platforms explaining how to identify fake summons. According to the ED, cybercriminals often circulate forged summons that closely resemble genuine official documents, making it difficult for ordinary citizens to distinguish between authentic and fabricated notices. The agency has therefore urged people to verify every document through official channels before taking any action.
Jharkhand has witnessed a significant rise in digital arrest-related frauds in recent years. During 2025, the Cyber Crime Branch of the state’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) registered nearly two dozen such cases involving cyber fraud worth several crores of rupees. However, officials say sustained public awareness campaigns and preventive initiatives undertaken by central agencies have contributed to a gradual decline in such incidents.
Investigators say digital arrest syndicates typically begin by collecting extensive personal information about their intended targets. Using fake identities, forged documents, government logos and photographs of senior officials, they falsely claim that the victim’s bank account, mobile number or identity has been linked to money laundering or other criminal activities. Once fear and confusion are created, victims are pressured into transferring money under the pretext of investigation, verification or legal settlement.
Renowned cybercrime expert and former IPS officer Prof. Triveni Singh said digital arrest is a sophisticated form of cybercrime driven primarily by psychological manipulation and social engineering. He emphasised that no government agency conducts interrogations through video calls or asks citizens to deposit money to avoid legal action. He advised the public to disconnect such calls immediately, verify any documents only through official sources, and report suspicious incidents without delay by contacting the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or the nearest cyber police station.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
