Digital arrest scam
Quick answer
A scammer impersonates police, courts, customs, or a central bank and pressures you into a secret video call or transfer by claiming you are under investigation or 'digital arrest'.
- End the contact and verify independently by calling your local police on their official published number.
What it is
A scammer impersonates police, courts, customs, or a central bank and pressures you into a secret video call or transfer by claiming you are under investigation or 'digital arrest'.
How it works
You are told your identity, parcel, or bank account is linked to a crime. The caller keeps you on a video call, isolates you from family, and demands a 'verification' transfer, crypto, or remote access while creating fear and urgency.
Red flags to watch for
- Threats of immediate arrest unless you act now
- Being told to stay on a video call and not tell anyone
- Demands for transfers, crypto, gift cards, or remote access
- Caller claims to be police, court, customs, or a central bank
Example
A caller says you are under investigation and must stay on a video call and transfer money to clear your name. This is risky because real police and courts never demand secret payments or video calls.
What not to do
- Do not stay on the call because of threats or pressure
- Do not send money, crypto, or gift cards to 'prove innocence'
- Do not grant remote access or keep it secret from family
The safe next step
End the contact and verify independently by calling your local police on their official published number.
Often seen on: Phone, WhatsApp, Video call.
Commonly targets: Anyone, including students and seniors.
How to verify safely
- Do not use links, phone numbers, QR codes, or email addresses from the suspicious message.
- Open the official app or website yourself - type the address manually.
- Call a contact you have saved, or the number printed on your bank card.
- If you are threatened or in immediate danger, contact local emergency services or police.
How to report it
Report to your local police through an official number and your national cybercrime authority. If you paid, contact your bank immediately.
Find official links for your country in the scam reporting directory.
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Frequently asked questions
Can police arrest someone over a video call?
No. Genuine police and courts do not carry out arrests, fines, or investigations over video calls or messaging apps, and never demand secret transfers.
Why do they tell me not to tell anyone?
Isolation is part of the pressure. Telling a trusted person and calling real police on an official number is exactly what ends the scam.
They knew my personal details - was it real?
Scammers often quote leaked data to sound convincing. Knowing your details does not make a demand for secret payment genuine.