Deb Chandima Arun Singharoy, a 26-year-old television actress from Jogeshwari, Mumbai, was recently scammed of ₹6.5 lakh by cyber fraudsters impersonating Police and Airtel officials. The scam began with calls on October 13, 2025, where the fraudsters showed fake Supreme Court orders and appeared in police uniforms via video call, intimidating her with false charges related to her SIM card and bank accounts.
For nearly seven hours, she was subjected to a “digital arrest” and coerced into transferring the money under threats of arrest and passport seizure. The actress subsequently reported to Oshiwara Police, who registered an FIR and started an investigation.
Modus Operandi of Digital Arrest Scams
These scams exploit fear by mimicking law enforcement procedures. Scammers use spoofed numbers, fake uniforms, doctored video calls, and forged legal documents to intimidate victims, demanding money for “bail” or “verification.”
Victims are instructed not to disconnect or consult family, increasing psychological duress. Such frauds have surged across India, causing losses exceeding ₹25 billion between 2022 and 2025. Mumbai police alone reported over 100 similar cases in 2025, including a ₹58 crore scam involving a businessman held “digitally arrested” for nearly two months.
National Surge and Government Response
The Supreme Court has taken suo motu cognisance of digital arrest scams, noting the psychological trauma and financial losses victims face. Government agencies have blocked thousands of SIMs and IMEIs linked to scammers and launched awareness campaigns.
Citizens are urged to verify calls independently and report suspicious contact to police or the national helpline 1930. Increased cyber policing and educational programmes aim to curb the spread of these sophisticated frauds.
Expert Advice to Stay Safe
Cybersecurity experts emphasise remaining calm and not sharing personal or financial details under pressure. Victims should disconnect suspicious calls immediately and verify claims independently through official channels. The government’s toll-free helpline 1930 and local cybercrime units provide support for reporting such scams.
Experts recommend strong, unique passwords, two-factor authentication, use of antivirus software, and cautious handling of unsolicited messages. They warn that genuine investigations never involve urgent monetary demands via phone or video calls. Public education on recognising red flags like threatening and urgent language, fake email domains, and grammatical mistakes is critical for prevention.
Alarming Statistics Reflect Widespread Impact
Data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal reveals a troubling escalation of digital arrest scams in India. Incidents nearly tripled from around 40,000 cases in 2022 to over 123,000 in 2024, with financial losses soaring from ₹91 crore to nearly ₹1,936 crore in the same period. Early 2025 already saw over 17,000 reported cases causing losses exceeding ₹210 crore.
Experts attribute the surge to increased digital transactions, lack of cybersecurity awareness, and advanced AI-enabled fraud techniques, including voice cloning and deepfakes. Many scams originate from abroad, complicating legal enforcement. These statistics highlight an urgent need for stronger cyber laws, public education, and cross-border cooperation to combat this evolving menace.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
Digital arrest scams reveal how technology can be weaponized to invoke fear and exploit trust. While law enforcement agencies work hard to combat these crimes, prevention through public awareness and empathy remains vital.
The Logical Indian stands with victims, advocating for calm verification, digital literacy, and compassion to reduce harm.
