NPCI warns public against rising ‘digital arrest’ scams: What to do if you get a fake call

The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) on Tuesday warned citizens to remain vigilant amid a surge in “digital arrest” scams where fraudsters pose as law enforcement or government officials to intimidate victims into transferring money or revealing sensitive information.

In a public advisory issued on November 4, the NPCI said scammers often call victims under the guise of being police, CBI, Income Tax or Customs officers, claiming that urgent legal action is being initiated. “Be cautious especially if they claim urgent legal action is being initiated or warranted,” the advisory stated.

Victims are told that they or their family members are allegedly involved in serious crimes such as money laundering, tax evasion or drug trafficking — a tactic used to create panic and force compliance.

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Fear tactics and fake video calls

Fraudsters frequently employ fear-based language, official logos, and even uniforms to appear credible. In some cases, they stage video calls with fake police backdrops or create a noisy, office-like setting to seem authentic. “They may even threaten immediate arrest to coerce victims into following instructions,” NPCI said.

The criminals sometimes go as far as fabricating a police station-like environment to reinforce their false authority. Victims are then instructed to transfer money under the pretext of “clearing their name” or “assisting with an investigation”. Terms like “refundable security deposit” or “escrow account” are often used to make these fraudulent demands appear legitimate.

How to respond to suspicious calls

NPCI has urged people to stay calm and never act in haste when faced with such calls. “Save messages, take screenshots and document interactions. This can help authorities if you need to file a report,” the organisation advised.

Citizens should immediately report suspicious numbers to the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or through the Department of Telecommunication’s official portal — https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/sfc/.

The NPCI also reminded the public that no genuine government department or enforcement agency conducts investigations or demands money through phone or video calls. All such requests, it said, should be treated as warning signs of fraud.

Official agencies never demand payments online

The advisory emphasised that real law enforcement agencies will never ask for bank transfers, digital payments or confidential details over a call. “Always verify the identity of the caller through trusted sources before taking any action,” it said.

The NPCI added that awareness and timely reporting can help prevent further cases and protect others from falling prey to these scams. The organisation’s message comes as part of a broader effort to strengthen digital safety across India’s growing online payment ecosystem.