Government of Meghalaya

Digital arrest

Date: 2024-07-23

Digital arrest is a new type of cyber crime where fraudsters pose as law enforcement agencies and threatens the victim of arrest on the pretext of some offence not commited by the victim (e.g. child pornography, drugs trafficking, etc.). The fraudsters then ask the victims to tranfer money in their bank account to not arrest them.

In some cases, the fraudsters may even have video call with the victim while wearing fake police uniform.

What to do if you are being targeted in this manner?

  1. Ask for a formal notice or warrant for appearance. If they are unable to give, it is a scam. Ignore it.
  2. If you are a resident of Meghalaya, request fact check by Cyber Wing, Meghalaya. More details are given here.
  3. Contact you nearest Police Station for verification of information. If you have not committed any offence, do not panic.
  4. If you have transferred money to fraudsters, immediately report to cybercrime.gov.in or call on 1930.
If you are in doubt if an app, scheme or information is genuine or fake, please request fact check by Cyber Wing, Meghalaya. More details on fact check are given here. If you have been defrauded, please report on cybercrime.gov.in or contact 1930 or Meghalaya Cyber Assistance Cell +91 94025 19391.