How Do You Report a Digital Arrest

Understanding Digital Arrest: A digital arrest scam occurs when fraudsters impersonate police, CBI, RBI, or courier officials through video calls, messages, or VoIP numbers. They falsely accuse victims of crimes such as money laundering or parcel trafficking. The aim is to create fear, isolate the target, and force immediate financial transfers under the pretext of verification or legal clearance.

Why Immediate Reporting Matters: Time determines recovery. Reporting within the first hour allows authorities and banks to freeze beneficiary accounts before funds are withdrawn or layered through mule networks. Delayed complaints reduce the chances of reversal. Quick action also helps investigators trace call records, device IDs, and transaction pathways linked to organised cybercrime syndicates.

Call the Cybercrime Helpline 1930: Dial 1930 as soon as you realise the fraud. Provide your phone number, transaction amount, bank details, time of transfer, and mode of payment. This helpline connects directly with the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting system, enabling real-time alerts to banks and payment gateways to block or hold the transferred money.

File a Complaint on cybercrime.gov.in: Register the case on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal under “Financial Fraud.” Upload screenshots, call logs, payment receipts, fake notices, and scammer profiles. The portal generates an acknowledgment number that serves as an official record. This digital trail supports investigation, inter-state coordination, and legal proceedings against the fraud network.

Inform Your Bank and Payment Platform: Immediately contact your bank’s customer care or visit the nearest branch. Request transaction freezing, beneficiary account marking, and debit blocking. Share the cybercrime complaint number. If payment occurred through UPI, wallet, or card, inform the respective platform. Early bank notification increases the probability of lien marking and fund recovery.

Approach the Local Cybercrime Police Station: Submit your complaint acknowledgment, identity proof, and evidence at the nearest cybercrime police station. Filing an FIR formalises the criminal case. Investigators use technical tools to track IP addresses, mule accounts, SIM cards, and device fingerprints. Physical reporting also strengthens your legal position for insurance claims and dispute resolution.

Preserve Evidence and Report Scam Numbers: Do not delete chats, emails, screen recordings, or call history. These establish the modus operandi and identity trail. Report the fraudulent phone numbers, WhatsApp accounts, and SMS headers through the Sanchar Saathi Chakshu facility. Blocking these channels prevents further victimisation and contributes to national cyber-threat intelligence databases.

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