Yamunanagar Police Warns Public Against ‘Digital Arrest’ Cyber Fraud

Yamunanagar Police has issued a detailed cyber-safety advisory warning citizens against a growing fraud in which criminals impersonate police officers, the CBI, ED, Customs and other government agencies and threaten victims with a fictitious “digital arrest”. Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, IPS, has made it clear that there is no legal procedure called “digital arrest” and that such calls and video calls are attempts to intimidate and defraud people.

According to the police advisory, cybercriminals contact people over phone or video call while pretending to be officials of law-enforcement or investigating agencies. They then create fear by making false allegations involving illegal parcels, money laundering, financial irregularities or other serious offences.

The National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal has also warned about “Digital Arrest” based cybercrime. Its advisory says criminals have been using intimidation, blackmail and extortion while posing as police and other government agencies. Victims may be forced to remain on video calls and may be threatened with serious legal consequences unless they follow the scammers’ instructions.

‘Digital Arrest’ Is Not a Legal Procedure

SP Kamaldeep Goyal has urged citizens to remember that police do not conduct arrests through telephone or video calls. Citizens should also be extremely cautious if anyone claiming to represent a government agency asks them to transfer money online as part of an alleged investigation.

The advisory further warns that requests for OTPs, bank-account details, passwords or other sensitive personal information are strong indicators of possible fraud. A caller’s use of official-looking language, uniforms, identification cards or video backgrounds should not be treated as proof that the person is genuine.

How the Fraudsters Create Fear

The scam is designed to make the victim panic and act before checking the truth. A caller may claim that an illegal parcel has been intercepted in the victim’s name, that a bank account has been linked to money laundering, or that the person’s identity documents have been misused in a criminal case.

In some cases, several fraudsters may speak to the victim one after another while pretending to be officers from different departments. The use of multiple voices and official terminology is intended to create the impression that a genuine investigation is underway.

The victim may then be told to remain continuously connected through a video call, avoid speaking to family members and stay inside the house. This attempt to isolate the victim is a major warning sign. The scammers may eventually demand money in the name of verification, security, settlement, bail or another fictitious legal requirement.

Three Things Every Citizen Should Remember

First, police do not arrest people through phone or video calls. A caller claiming to be an officer should not be trusted merely because the caller knows personal information or uses the name and designation of a senior official.

Second, do not transfer money because an unknown caller claims it is required for an investigation. Any demand for immediate online payment accompanied by threats of arrest, account freezing or legal action should be treated as a serious red flag.

Third, never share OTPs, passwords, bank details or other sensitive information with unknown callers or through unverified links and applications.

What Citizens Should Do

If someone receives a suspicious call claiming to be from the police, CBI, ED, Customs or another government agency, the first step is to remain calm and avoid following the caller’s instructions in panic. End the suspicious communication, independently verify the claim and speak to family members or a trusted person.

If the caller claims that a criminal case has been registered, citizens should contact the nearest police station or police post directly rather than using a phone number supplied by the caller.

The official National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal provides the cyber-fraud helpline 1930. Complaints can also be registered through cybercrime.gov.in. If money has already been transferred, reporting the incident immediately is particularly important.

Report Cyber Fraud Without Delay

Citizens who have been targeted by such fraud should preserve relevant evidence, including phone numbers, messages, screenshots, transaction details and other available information. They should report the matter promptly through the official cybercrime channels and approach the local police where necessary.

The key objective of the fraud is to exploit fear and urgency. A person who receives a threatening call should remember that panic is exactly what the scammer wants. Taking a few minutes to verify the information can prevent a major financial loss.

District Police Appeal

Yamunanagar Police has appealed to residents to share the awareness message with family members, friends and senior citizens so that more people can recognise the warning signs of “digital arrest” fraud.

The police stressed that cybercriminals use fear, urgency, greed and confusion as weapons. Citizens should not panic, should not share confidential information and should immediately report suspicious activity to the police or the official cybercrime reporting system.