Victims Threatened Over WhatsApp, Forced to Pay Lakhs; Experts Call for Nationwide Awareness and Stronger Digital Policies

New Delhi | June 24, 2025
India is witnessing a disturbing surge in a new form of cybercrime known as "digital arrest", where fraudsters posing as government officials intimidate victims into transferring money under the threat of fabricated legal action. These scams, executed over WhatsApp and video calls, are psychologically manipulative and financially devastating.

In one of the most shocking cases this year, a Lucknow-based doctor was duped of ₹2.8 crore by cybercriminals impersonating officials from the CBI and TRAI. The victim, Dr. Ruchika Tandon, a senior consultant at Sanjay Gandhi Post Graduate Institute (SGPGI), Lucknow, was targeted through a sophisticated extortion call claiming she was under investigation for illegal activities.

The scam involved multiple calls over several days, video conversations with individuals in uniforms, and fake legal notices. Fearing arrest and public embarrassment, she complied with the demands and transferred money to multiple accounts. The matter is now under investigation by the Lucknow Cyber Cell.

Rising Cases Across Indian Cities

Dr. Tandon’s case is part of a growing pattern. In Mumbai, a businessman lost ₹85 lakh in a similar scam where he was told a parcel in his name contained contraband. In Delhi, a schoolteacher was forced to strip on video by impostors who later blackmailed her. A Bengaluru tech executive paid ₹10 lakh after being falsely linked to a money laundering case.

Cybercrime cells in Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru have reported a significant rise in digital arrest cases since late 2023, with many victims choosing not to come forward due to fear and shame.

How the Scam Works

The digital arrest scam typically begins with a call from an international or spoofed Indian number. The caller pretends to represent a law enforcement agency or government office, such as the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Enforcement Directorate (ED), or TRAI.

Victims are falsely informed that their Aadhaar, bank account, or courier package has been linked to illegal activity. They are told to join a video call with a “superior officer,” during which the scammer appears in fake uniform, shares false documents, and issues threats of arrest or defamation unless payment is made.

Payment demands range from “legal processing fees” to “bail amounts,” and are typically requested through UPI, online transfers, or crypto wallets. In many cases, calls are staged to resemble real investigations.

Cross-Border Syndicates and Local Execution

Investigations have revealed that many of these scams originate from cybercrime syndicates based in Southeast Asia, particularly Myanmar and Cambodia. These operations use Indian-speaking agents, social engineering scripts, and leaked data to target individuals, particularly professionals, women, and the elderly.

Indian accomplices are sometimes recruited to receive payments and coordinate local logistics, giving the scam a false sense of legitimacy.

Lack of Digital Literacy a Key Factor

Despite repeated advisories and public campaigns, a lack of awareness about cybercrime procedures continues to leave citizens vulnerable. Experts say many people are unfamiliar with how law enforcement functions digitally and assume that such calls are genuine.

Cybersecurity analyst Anoop Mishra, who has been involved in national digital safety awareness campaigns, stressed the need for grassroots-level cyber hygiene education.

“This is psychological fraud, not just financial. The scammers weaponize fear and confusion. Most citizens don’t know their digital rights or how real law enforcement operates online,” Mishra said.

“We must invest in preventive education, not just post-crime responses. Until every smartphone user understands how to recognize and resist such tactics, these scams will continue to flourish.”

What the Authorities Are Doing

State police cyber units in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi have launched awareness initiatives, including social media campaigns and press briefings, warning the public about digital arrest scams.

The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in) allows victims to file complaints online, while helpline 1930 provides guidance for financial fraud cases. Banks have also been instructed to flag suspicious transactions linked to digital arrest-type frauds.

However, cyber police officials say that international jurisdiction, encrypted apps, and the emotional pressure used in these scams make resolution difficult if complaints are delayed.

What to Do If You’re Targeted

Authorities recommend the following actions if contacted by suspected scammers:

• Do not panic or comply with payment requests

• Refuse any video call claiming to be from law enforcement

• Block and report the number to the Cyber Helpline (1930)

• Preserve all messages, screenshots, and call logs as evidence

• Immediately file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in and inform local police

A Call for Proactive Digital Education

India’s growing digital ecosystem, while promising, now demands stronger security awareness at the individual level. Experts urge the government to consider integrating cyber safety modules in school curriculums, community workshops, and corporate training programs.

With the nation’s digital economy projected to cross $1 trillion by 2030, such threats could undermine public trust in digital services unless robust awareness and enforcement measures are prioritized.

Dr. Tandon’s ordeal serves as a reminder that even educated, accomplished individuals can fall prey to well-orchestrated cyber frauds. The fight against digital arrest scams will depend not only on police intervention but also on how quickly and effectively the public learns to protect itself.