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 would rather settle this without going to court if the law allows it, but I need to know my rights before I sign anything. Please tell me what to do first and what document to keep.

Under Indian law, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 318 is the starting point for this cyber law question. What follows is the position in substance, together with the steps that usually make the difference in practice.

'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 this means for you: 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.

Where the facts are disputed, what usually decides a digital arrest scam matter is the paper trail — dated complaints, acknowledgments and written replies under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 318. 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 cyber law.

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.