Bengaluru police appeals to public to stay alert against 'digital arrest' scams

Police have been receiving complaints about individuals being intimidated by the concept, resulting in substantial financial losses.

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In the wake of numerous complaints, Police Commissioner B Dayananda on Tuesday urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid falling victim to cyber fraudsters who extort money by impersonating government officials and claiming to enforce a "digital arrest". He said the police have been receiving complaints about individuals being intimidated by the concept of digital arrest, resulting in substantial financial losses.

Citing a recent case where a 39-year-old software engineer lost Rs 11.8 crore to this scam, he clarified, "We want to reiterate, as we have done multiple times through our social media channels, that there is no concept of digital arrest in our legal statutes or Constitution. Police actions are based strictly on legal provisions, and there is no provision for digital arrest." Explaining standard legal procedures, he stated that the police issue notices or physically apprehend individuals when necessary. "If we arrest someone, they must be produced before the jurisdictional magistrate within 24 hours, and remand or custody must be obtained. Cyber fraudsters, however, falsely claim digital arrests, detain victims for days or weeks, and extort money," he said.

The Commissioner cautioned the public against attending unknown calls or falling for incriminating tactics. "If you receive suspicious calls or video calls, remain alert. Do not entertain unknown callers or share personal information such as your name, address, Aadhaar card, or PAN card number.