Digital Arrest Scam: How to Survive the Fake CBI Video Call

No Indian agency — CBI, police, ED, customs or TRAI — ever arrests anyone over a video call. 'Digital arrest' does not exist in law.

The script is always fear plus isolation: a fake parcel or money-laundering case, a uniform on screen, and orders to stay on camera and tell no one.

Real officers never demand money to 'clear your name' or ask you to move funds to a 'verification' or 'RBI safe' account.

Hang up, breathe, and verify independently — call the agency's official number yourself, never one the caller gives you.

Report fast to 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in within the golden hour to freeze and possibly recover transferred money.