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Scams & ImpersonationImpact: ₹40,000 + Severe Trauma
Beware of Digital Arrest Scams
Threat Type: Fear-Based Impersonation & Extortion
What Happened
A young software engineer received an automated phone call claiming a parcel booked in her name contained illegal narcotics and expired passports. She was connected via Skype video call to individuals dressed in police uniforms sitting in a fake cybercrime police station setup. The scammers declared she was under 'Digital Arrest' and commanded her to keep her video on for 8 hours while transferring her savings for 'secret verification.'
✅ How It Was Resolved
- •After transferring ₹40,000, she secretly messaged an Avanzo Trust volunteer who immediately alerted her that 'Digital Arrest' does not exist in Indian law.
- •She terminated the video call, blocked the numbers, and filed an FIR with the local Cyber Crime police station.
- •Avanzo provided legal aid counseling to reassure her that no actual criminal warrants or proceedings existed against her.
⚠️ Red Flags to Watch For Next Time
- •Unsolicited calls from 'Customs,' 'CBI,' or 'Telecom Department' threatening immediate arrest over parcels or SIM cards.
- •Demands to stay on continuous video calls ('Digital Arrest') and prohibitions against speaking to family members or lawyers.
- •Requests to transfer personal funds to 'RBI verification accounts' or 'secret government accounts.'
🛡️ Steps to Protect Yourself
- •Hang up immediately! No Indian law enforcement agency conducts arrests, interrogations, or financial verifications over Skype or WhatsApp video.
- •Call 1930 or visit cybercrime.gov.in independently to report any threatening impersonation calls.
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