- Do not share anything: OTPs, netbanking pins, UPI PINs, Aadhaar OTPs, or scanned documents. Real officials never ask for money online.
- Disconnect immediately: Hang up calmly and do NOT call back the number shown on-screen.
- Record & document: Take screenshots, save the number, note the time. This evidence helps banks & police.
- Use Verify Caller: Paste the number in the box on the right. If the result shows multiple red flags, report immediately.
- Report officially: Use the National Cyber Crime Portal and give them all evidence; call your bank to freeze transactions.
- Contact family or a trusted friend: Let someone close to you know; if elderly, help them disconnect and reach the bank together.
Digital Arrest Call? Do this RIGHT NOW — step-by-step (India)
If you received a threatening call claiming officials will arrest you unless you pay — it's likely a scam. Follow these five actions to protect yourself now.
1
Stay calm
Do not share OTPs, bank details, or transfer money.
2
Record or screenshot
Screenshot the caller ID, record the call if safe.
3
Disconnect & verify
Use our free checker to validate the number/ID.
4
Report instantly
Use the official portal & get bank instructions.
5
Contact your bank
Ask to freeze transfers and reverse transactions.
If you are on a digital arrest call — step-by-step (HowTo)
Follow these prioritized actions. They are ordered by what reduces harm fastest.
Why this works
Google & AI prefer step-by-step HowTo content for urgent queries. This section is formatted and tagged for HowTo schema (see page source).
How our Verify Caller tool works (MVP)
The initial version uses rule-based checks (open-source signal lists, number pattern heuristics, and common scam word detection in transcripts). We label outputs as red flags (high concern), yellow (possible), green (no immediate flags). This is not legal advice.
Privacy: The tool runs in your browser when possible. We do not collect sensitive data without explicit consent. See our Privacy section below.
Report a digital arrest scam (official steps)
- Gather evidence: screenshots, timestamps, bank transfer receipts, caller number.
- Go to the official National Cyber Crime Portal and file a complaint (link below).
- Contact your bank's fraud desk — ask them to freeze or reverse transfers.
- Visit your local police station with a printed copy of the complaint if asked.
Official reporting: National Cyber Crime Portal
Help for seniors, parents & community groups
Digital arrest scams disproportionately target older adults. Use our printable posters and in-person checklist. Host a 10-minute "how to spot a scam" session at your local bank branch or community center.
- Use loud, clear printouts and a single example card.
- Walk through "what to do now" steps in role-play.
- Give a single contact person and printed bank guide.
Frequently asked questions
Is digital arrest real?
No — "digital arrest" is a scam tactic. Arrests require in-person procedure and court paperwork.
What if I already paid?
Report immediately to the National Cyber Crime Portal and contact your bank's fraud desk to request a freeze or reversal.
Can I record a scammer's call?
Yes — record or screenshot if it is legal in your state. Evidence helps police and banks.
Contact / Press / Partnerships
For partnership requests (NGOs, banks, local media), or press, contact us at hello@digitalarresthelp.in. For urgent support please use the official reporting links above.
Downloadable guides & assets
Ready-to-print checklists and bank posters. Use them in community centers and bank branches.