Munish Sood
Mandi
In a disturbing surge of cybercrime, Himachal Pradesh has reported 12 cases of “digital arrest” frauds in 2024 and 2025 so far, with unsuspecting citizens losing over ₹5.91 crore to online scammers posing as law enforcement officials. The state’s cyber crime wing, alarmed by the growing trend, has issued a detailed advisory to caution the public against these sophisticated scams.
According to data released by the State Cyber Crime Police, victims were conned out of ₹5,91,94,589 through these scams, where fraudsters impersonate police officers, CBI agents, or judicial authorities. While the police have managed to recover ₹33.05 lakh through timely intervention, the rest remains under investigation.
The so-called “digital arrest” is a newly evolving method of cyber fraud that plays on psychological manipulation and fear. Scammers typically reach out to targets via phone or video calls, claiming that a serious criminal case—ranging from drug smuggling to money laundering or even rape—has been registered in their name. They often support their claims with fake court notices or police summons sent through social media or email.
To add credibility, the fraudsters appear on video calls dressed in fake uniforms or displaying counterfeit ID cards. Victims are then coerced into transferring money as a supposed “legal safeguard” to avoid arrest or prosecution.
A Common Modus Operandi
The cyber police outlined two prominent strategies used in these scams:
• Fake Police or CBI Video Calls: Scammers impersonate officials and claim to be initiating a digital arrest during a live video call.
• Fabricated Legal Notices: Threatening documents are sent through email or social media, often backed by follow-up calls to intensify the pressure.
In some instances, the scam is linked to fake parcel deliveries, where the victim is told a suspicious or illegal package—allegedly containing narcotics or contraband—has been intercepted in their name. In other cases, victims are accused of financial crimes like money laundering and are threatened with immediate action unless they pay a hefty “fine.”
Officials Urge Caution, Not Fear
Superintendent of Police, State CID Cyber Crime Shimla, Dinesh Kumar Sharma, emphasized that no government agency arrests individuals over a video call or demands money through such means. He urged citizens to remain calm, avoid responding to suspicious calls, and never make payments under pressure.
“If you receive any such call, disconnect immediately and report the incident to your nearest police station,” he advised. “Additionally, people can contact the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 to report such frauds.”
Sharma also stressed the importance of educating family members, particularly senior citizens, who are often more vulnerable to such tactics. “These criminals feed on fear. The only way to beat them is with awareness,” he said.
A Growing Threat in the Digital Age
With the increasing penetration of digital communication, fraudsters are exploiting technology and social engineering to bypass traditional safeguards. The cyber police have reiterated that public awareness remains the most effective line of defense.
“Stay informed, stay alert, and make others aware. Cyber safety is a shared responsibility,” the advisory concluded.
