The incidence of digital arrest scams has surged dramatically in recent years. The government told the Parliament that the digital arrest scams have risen 21-times between 2022 and 2024. Cases of “digital arrest” have also soared across Mumbai, particularly among elderly citizens living alone. In order to protect the seniors from falling for such scams, the city police have launched a proactive outreach program.

According to Mumbai Police, between January and October 2025, 142 cases of digital arrest fraud were reported, with cybercriminals siphoning off Rs 114 crore. Officials say the majority of victims were elderly residents living alone who were intimidated and threatened into secrecy by the impersonators.

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What is digital arrest?

Although “digital arrest” has no basis in Indian law, fraudsters posing as officials from the CBI, ED, RBI or police have been coercing victims, especially senior citizens, into believing they are under a virtual house arrest. As per a pattern, the scamsters first falsely claim that their bank accounts were used for illegal transactions and then extort money under the guise of “investigation charges” or “bail amounts”.

Police go door-to-door in South Mumbai

To counter the rising threat, Mumbai Police have begun a door-to-door awareness drive, starting from South Mumbai, where 627 senior citizens were identified as living alone in Zone 1.

A team of 25 officers and 27 constables visited their homes, explaining how the scam unfolds and advising them on steps to stay safe. Pamphlets in Marathi and English were handed out to ensure that the information could be shared easily within communities.

“We want to ensure that no senior citizen falls prey to this frightening scam,” an officer said. “The goal is to educate them, reassure them, and make them confident enough to immediately contact the police instead of complying with fraudsters,” the officer added.

Safety guidelines issued

Mumbai Police have also released a list of precautions for the public:

• No government agency conducts digital arrests

• There is no legal provision for such enforcement

• Never accept video calls from unknown numbers

• Never transfer money based on threatening calls

• Watch for unusual behaviour among family members that could signal distress

• If targeted, inform relatives immediately

• Report suspicious calls to the nearest police station or the cyber helpline 1930, or file a complaint at http://www.cybercrime.gov.in