Cybercrime authorities in Bengaluru have raised alarm over a growing number of “digital arrest” scams, a sophisticated online fraud in which criminals impersonate law-enforcement officials to extort money from victims. Recent reports show that Karnataka lost ₹11.6 crore to such scams in just the first two months of 2026, highlighting the scale of the problem.
In these scams, fraudsters contact victims by phone or video call while pretending to be police officers, government officials, or cybercrime investigators. They accuse victims of being involved in serious crimes such as money laundering or illegal transactions. The criminals then claim the victim is under “digital arrest” and demand immediate payment to avoid legal consequences.
Authorities say the scammers often use advanced tactics, including forged documents, fake police uniforms, and staged video calls that appear to come from official offices. Victims are pressured into transferring money through bank accounts, digital wallets, or cryptocurrency platforms.
Between January 2023 and February 2026, cybercrime cases of this type have reportedly resulted in losses of more than ₹468 crore in Karnataka. Despite ongoing awareness campaigns, criminals continue targeting individuals, especially senior citizens and professionals with high savings.
One shocking case involved a 94-year-old research scholar who lost nearly ₹5 crore to fraudsters. Authorities say that while cybercrime units have recovered some funds, only a small percentage of the total stolen money has been retrieved so far.
To combat the growing threat, the Karnataka government has strengthened cybercrime enforcement by setting up 45 Cybercrime Economic and Narcotics (CEN) police stations and creating a specialized cyber command center.
Officials are urging residents to stay alert, avoid sharing personal information online, and report suspicious calls immediately to prevent further financial losses.
News as reported
