How Scammers Impersonating Government Officials Are Tricking People
It starts with a phone call.
The voice on the other end is serious, authoritative-and alarming.
"We’re calling from the Cyber Crime Department."
"Your Aadhaar is linked to illegal activities."
"A case has been filed against you for money laundering."
"You are under digital arrest unless you cooperate immediately."
Scared, confused, and anxious, many people follow the instructions-sharing bank details, Aadhaar numbers, passwords, and even transferring money-just to avoid “further legal action.”
But here’s the truth: It’s a scam.
While digital arrest is not a real legal concept, fraudsters are using the term to manipulate and intimidate people into parting with their money or personal data.
In this new-age scam, criminals pose as officials from various government agencies-police, cyber cells, income tax, RBI, or SEBI. Using fake caller IDs, forged documents, and scripted threats, they convince victims that they’re involved in serious criminal activity and must immediately pay a penalty or provide sensitive details to “resolve” the issue.
In some cases, victims are even forced to stay on video calls for hours, creating a false sense of surveillance. This psychological pressure tactic is what scammers refer to as a digital arrest.
Fake calls claiming to be from “Cyber Police,” “ED,” “RBI,” “CBI,” or “SEBI”
Threats of arrest, account freeze, or legal action
Use of real names, logos, and terminology to appear credible
Fake case numbers, forged letters, and video calls for added realism
Their objective? To erode your confidence and pressure you into compliance.
The Central Government has issued an alert against incidents of blackmail and “digital arrest” by cybercriminals impersonating officials from law enforcement and financial agencies.
According to a press release, the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (I4C) has proactively blocked over 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts used in such scams.
Know this: No government official will ever ask for money over a phone or video call. If someone does-it’s a scam.
Never share Aadhaar, PAN, bank account details, or OTPs with unknown callers.
Verify independently: hang up and call the agency using contact details from their official website.
Don’t stay on long calls out of fear:the longer you stay, the more vulnerable you become.
Report immediately at cybercrime.gov.in or call the national cyber helpline: 1930.
Spread the word: talk to your elderly parents, domestic staff, and others who may be more vulnerable to such scams.
Today’s scammers aren’t just pretending to be from banks—they’re mimicking the system itself. They sound real, use real names, and demand immediate action.
But remember: real government officials don’t operate this way.
So the next time you get a call that feels threatening or urgent: Pause. Think. Verify.
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