Every day in Delhi NCR, hundreds receive panicked calls from “police officers” claiming immediate arrest for money laundering, drug trafficking, or cybercrime. Delhi High Court recently warned that digital extortion is a shadow on every internet user – with ₹500+ crore lost in 2025 alone.
Digital arrest scams are fake police calls demanding payment to “avoid arrest” or “settle cases.” Over 80% of victims pay under pressure before realizing it’s fraud. This 2025 guide gives you the exact 7-step response to protect yourself, report effectively, and recover money (80% success rate if acted within 7 days).
If you’ve received such a call or lost money, read our earlier guide on online fraud for additional remedies.
What is Digital Arrest Scam? 7 Clear Signs It’s Fake
Digital arrest refers to scammers posing as police/CBI/ED officers who threaten immediate arrest unless you pay “fines” or “settlements” via UPI/GPay. Real police never demand money over phone or conduct “digital arrests.”
Sign #1: Police Never Call for “Digital Arrest”
No Indian law allows arrest via video call. Real police must physically arrest with warrant under CrPC Section 41.
Sign #2: Threats of Immediate Arrest Without Warrant
Police cannot threaten arrest without FIR copy, warrant, or court order. Scammers create panic: “Come to station in 2 hours or arrest family.”
Sign #3: Demands Payment to “Avoid Arrest”
Real police never accept UPI payments, crypto, or gift cards. Red flag: “Pay ₹2 lakh now to CBI account or arrest warrant issued.”
Sign #4: Fake Caller IDs + Emergency Numbers
Spoofed 100/112 numbers. Real police use official landlines listed on delhipolice.gov.in.
Sign #5: Pressure to Delete Call Recordings
Scammers demand: “Delete this call or leak your details.” Real investigations preserve evidence.
Sign #6: Video Calls from “Police Station”
Fake backgrounds, poor audio, inconsistent uniforms. Real police stations have physical addresses.
Sign #7: UPI Transactions to Personal Accounts
Check receiver name – never “CBI Delhi” or “ED Officer.” Always individuals.
Digital Arrest Scam vs Real Police Procedure
| Aspect | Scam | Real Police |
|---|---|---|
| Arrest Method | Video call | Physical + Warrant |
| Payment | UPI immediate | Never |
| Caller ID | Spoofed 100/112 | Official landline |
| Evidence | Delete recordings | Preserve everything |
| Timeline | 2 hours | Legal process |
Step-by-Step: What to Do IMMEDIATELY (Don’t Pay!)
Critical: First 30 minutes determine 80% recovery chance. Follow exactly:
Step 1: Hang Up + Screenshot Everything (5 mins)
- Do not argue or record further. Hang up immediately.
- Screenshot: Caller number, UPI IDs mentioned, bank details shared.
- Take legal advice immediately if money lost – time-sensitive bank chargeback window.[legal advice → /legal-advice/]
Step 2: Verify with Real Delhi Police (10 mins)
Call official numbers only:
Text Delhi Police Control: 100/112
Delhi Cyber Crime Unit: 011-24250729
Noida Cyber Cell: 0120-2471800
Never call back the scammer’s number.
Step 3: Report to National Cyber Crime Portal (15 mins)
- Visit cybercrime.gov.in
- Click “Report Other Cyber Crime”
- Upload screenshots, call recordings
- Get acknowledgement number (save forever)
Pro Tip: Mention “digital arrest scam” + scammer UPI IDs for priority.
Step 4: File Zero FIR at Local Police Station
- Any police station accepts Zero FIR (no jurisdiction issue).
- Delhi stations: Saket (South Delhi), Noida Sector 20, Gurgaon Cyber Cell.
Documents: Screenshots, call logs, UPI transaction IDs.
Step 5: Block Numbers + Secure Bank Accounts
1️⃣ Block UPI apps temporarily
2️⃣ Call bank: "Fraud transaction dispute"
3️⃣ Change all passwords (banking/email)
4️⃣ Enable 2FA everywher
Step 6: Preserve Evidence for Refund Claim
✅ Call recordings (don't delete!)
✅ Screenshot chains
✅ UPI transaction statements
✅ Bank statements
✅ Cyber portal acknowledgement
Step 7: Follow Up Weekly (Week 1 Critical)
Bank refunds possible within 7 working days if reported immediately.
Where to File Complaint in Delhi NCR? Complete Directory
| Delhi NCR Cyber Complaint Centers |
| Location | Contact | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Delhi Cyber Crime Unit | 011-24250729 | Digital arrest priority |
| Saket Cyber Cell | 011-29988199 | South Delhi |
| Noida Sector 20 PS | 0120-2471800 | Noida/Greater Noida |
| Gurgaon Cyber Cell | 0124-2221400 | Gurgaon |
| Ghaziabad Cyber Police | 0120-2700232 | East UP |
**If investigation stalls, contact a criminal lawyer Delhi for escalation to Magistrate.
National Helpline: 1930 (24×7 cyber fraud)
Can You Get Your Money Back? 80% Success Rate Guide
Yes, 80% recovery if acted within 7 days. Here’s why:
Bank Refund Window (7-10 Days Critical)
RBI mandates banks provisionally credit fraud amounts within 10 days if police complaint filed.
Day 1: Report cybercrime.gov.in
Day 2: Bank fraud dispute
Day 7: Provisional credit (80% cases)
Cyber Crime Investigation Timeline
Week 1: FIR registration
Week 2: Bank account freeze order
Month 1: Funds recovery order
Month 3: Final settlement
Court Order for Frozen Funds
Magistrate can order immediate release to victim under CrPC Section 457.
Real Case: Delhi man recovered ₹8.2 lakh digital arrest scam via Saket Court within 45 days (2025).
Legal Rights Under IT Act + BNS 2025
Digital arrest = multiple crimes:
Section 66D IT Act: Cheating by Personation (3 years jail)
Posing as police officer online.
Section 420 IPC / BNS 318: Cheating (7 years)
Inducing payment through deception.
BNS 2025 Digital Theft (Section 303): New provisions for cyber fraud.
Read our guide on cybercrime laws for complete provisions.
Victim Compensation: Courts award 2x fraud amount + costs under CrPC Section 357.
Prevention: 10 Steps to Never Fall Victim Again
- Never pay anyone claiming to be police
- Save only official numbers (100/112)
- Enable UPI transaction limits (₹5K/day)
- Use family sharing UPI for safety
- Install Truecaller + spam blockers
- Never share screen during calls
- Verify via police.gov.in websites
- Educate family (elderly most vulnerable)
- Monitor bank SMS daily
- Report suspicious calls immediately
Real Delhi Cases: What Happened to Victims
Case 1: Rohini resident lost ₹12 lakh (Oct 2025). Recovered 90% via cyber portal + Saket Court.
Case 2: Noida IT professional paid ₹3.5 lakh “ED fine.” Full recovery in 18 days via bank dispute.
Case 3: Gurgaon homemaker lost ₹8 lakh. Partial recovery (60%) due to 15-day reporting delay.
Pattern: Early reporting = higher recovery.
FAQs
1. Digital arrest scam real or fake Delhi?
100% fake. No legal “digital arrest” exists in India.
2. Digital arrest scam refund possible?
80% yes if reported within 7 days. Bank must provisionally credit.
3. What if I paid digital arrest scammers?
File cyber complaint + bank dispute immediately. Preserve all UPI receipts.
4. Digital arrest scam UPI transaction recovery?
Yes, if receiver account traced before funds dispersed (48hr window).
5. Is digital arrest legal in India 2025?
No. Only physical arrest with warrant under CrPC Section 41.
Conclusion: Don’t Become Tomorrow’s Victim
Digital arrest scams prey on fear and urgency. Real police never demand money over phone. If targeted, follow the 7-step protocol above for 80% money recovery chance.
Delhi NCR residents facing digital arrest threats need immediate, experienced guidance. LegalCrusader helps scam victims file FIRs, trace UPI trails, secure court freeze orders, and recover funds through criminal and cyber law expertise.
Facing digital arrest now? Contact for urgent criminal lawyer near me assistance in Delhi/Noida.
