Is this digital arrest call or message a scam?
Commonly seen since 2024. Last reviewed 2026-06-05.
Check your exact messageExample only - do not act on it
Example only: This is the police/customs. Your identity is linked to a crime. Stay on this video call and do not tell anyone while we 'verify' you.
Why this message is suspicious
- Real police do not arrest people over a video call.
- Isolating you and forbidding contact with others is a control tactic.
- Demands to transfer money to 'prove innocence' are always a scam.
What the scammer wants
- Large transfers
- Your fear and isolation
- Personal and banking details
Common variations
- Fake police/customs/courier officer
- Threat of arrest
- Demand to stay on a video call
- Pressure to transfer money to 'clear your name'
Red flags to watch for
What to do now
- Hang up or leave the call.
- Talk to someone you trust right away.
- Contact the real authority through its official number.
What not to do
- Do not stay on the call.
- Do not keep it secret.
- Do not transfer money to 'clear your name'.
If you already responded
Act quickly - the sooner you respond, the more you can limit. Find the situation that matches what you did:
If you clicked a link: If you opened a link and entered details, change those passwords and follow the clicked-a-link guide.
If you paid: Contact your bank immediately to stop or recall the transfer, then report to your national cybercrime authority.
If you shared a code, OTP, or login: Call your bank now to secure accounts and change affected passwords.
If you only clicked the link but entered nothing: close the page, don't enter anything, and watch the linked accounts for unusual activity. Full steps →
If you entered card details: contact your bank now to freeze the card and dispute charges, then watch your statement. Full steps →
If you shared an OTP or one-time code: the scammer may be logging in right now - change the password, sign out other sessions, and turn on app-based 2FA. Full steps →
If you sent money: contact your bank or payment provider immediately to try to stop or recall it, and report it. Full steps →
If you installed an app / gave remote access: disconnect from the internet, uninstall it, and change key passwords from a different, trusted device. Full steps →
If you shared passport, ID, or KYC documents: watch for identity theft, consider a credit freeze or fraud alert, and keep the evidence. Full steps →
Watch out for a second scam. People who've just lost money are often contacted again by a fake "recovery" service promising to get it back for an upfront fee. Legitimate recovery never starts with a fee paid to someone who contacted you - see recovery scams.
First time dealing with this? Start with the first 24 hours after a scam checklist and how to save evidence.
How to report it
Report through official channels for your country. Use our scam reporting directory to find the right authority, and never use phone numbers or links from the suspicious message itself. If an official link looks outdated, tell us so we can review it.
Official sources checked
- CFPB - Classic warning signs of fraud and scams High reliability
Government consumer advisory
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Law-enforcement alert
Reviewed 2026-06-05. See our methodology for how we select sources.
Related pages
- Vishing (voice phishing)
- Remote access scam
- Bank impersonation scam
- What to do if you sent money to a scammer
- What to do if you gave remote access
Related platforms
Frequently asked questions
Do police arrest people on video calls?
No. There is no such thing as a 'digital arrest'. Anyone demanding money or secrecy over a video call is a scammer.