I received a video call from someone posing as police/CBI threatening arrest unless I pay money, is this a scam?

Someone claiming to be a police or customs officer video-called me, said I'm involved in a crime, and demanded money to avoid 'digital arrest'. I have been reading conflicting things online and I would like to understand what Indian law actually says about this, which Act and Section applies, what the realistic timelines and costs are, and what I should be doing right now to protect my position. If the matter can be resolved without litigation I would prefer that route, but I want to know what my rights are before I agree to anything or sign any document.

I received a video call from someone posing as police/CBI threatening arrest unless I pay money, is this a scam? is governed in India primarily by Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 318, Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 204 (personating a public servant). The short answer is set out below, followed by the practical steps most people in this situation need to take. Read it alongside the specific provisions named, because the exact relief available to you turns on the facts you can prove on paper.

'Digital arrest' is not a recognised legal procedure in India — no police officer, court, or agency can arrest or detain you over a video call or demand money to avoid arrest, and this is entirely a scam under Sections 318 and 66D.

Impersonating a police officer/public servant to intimidate someone is a separate offence under Section 204 BNS, carrying imprisonment along with the cheating charges.

Real law enforcement communicates through official written summons/notices and in-person process, never through unsolicited video calls demanding instant money transfer to 'clear your name'.

If you have already transferred money, immediately call 1930 or file at cybercrime.gov.in as these scams often use mule accounts that can be frozen quickly if reported within hours.

Never share OTPs, banking details, or Aadhaar/PAN details on such calls, and disconnect immediately — record the number and any details for your police complaint.

What to do next: 1) Disconnect the call immediately and do not transfer any money; 2) If money was already sent, call 1930 or report at cybercrime.gov.in within hours for a freeze; 3) File an FIR citing Sections 318 and 204 BNS along with Section 66D IT Act; 4) Warn family/friends and preserve the caller's number and call recording as evidence.

If the other side has already issued a notice, filed a case or set a deadline, treat the matter as time-sensitive — most remedies under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 318 carry limitation periods, and a delay you cannot explain weakens an otherwise strong case. You can post the details on the MyVakeel forum for a practising advocate to review, or book a paid consultation with a Bar Council verified lawyer in this practice area.

Disclaimer: This information is for general awareness and does not constitute legal advice. Statutes and their interpretation change, and outcomes depend on the facts of your case. Please consult a qualified advocate before acting on it.