In the age of digital transformation, a new and insidious form of cybercrime has emerged—one that transcends social strata and technological literacy. Known as “Digital Arrest,” this dystopian phenomenon has wreaked havoc across India, leaving victims from well-heeled professionals to ordinary citizens in its wake. The modus operandi is chillingly effective. Fraudsters initiate contact by impersonating officials from premier investigative agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or the Income Tax Department. They accuse the victim of involvement in fabricated cases of money laundering, drug trafficking, or other serious crimes. Under the weight of fear and psychological manipulation, victims are coerced into transferring large sums of money to avoid arrest or legal action. These criminals often use forged documents, deepfake videos, and official-sounding language to lend credibility to their threats. The judiciary has taken note. Citizens must be vigilant and skeptical of unsolicited calls or messages demanding personal information or money. Official agencies never demand payments over phone calls or WhatsApp. It is crucial to verify identities through official channels and report suspicious activity to the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in.
