I got a call from what looked like a real police/CBI number threatening arrest, is this a scam?

I received a call showing a police or CBI number on caller ID, threatening me with arrest unless I transfer money or share my details. 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 got a call from what looked like a real police/CBI number threatening arrest, is this a scam? is governed in India primarily by Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 – Section 351 and Telecommunications Act, 2023. 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.

This is the 'digital arrest' scam using VoIP/caller-ID spoofing technology to display a fake police/CBI/customs number — genuine law enforcement never conducts arrests, investigations, or demands money over a phone or video call.

This is cheating by personation under Section 66D IT Act combined with criminal intimidation under Section 351 BNS, and can carry additional charges if the caller impersonates a public servant under BNS provisions on impersonation.

There is no concept of 'digital arrest' under Indian law — no agency can legally detain, restrict your movement, or force you to stay on video call as a form of custody without physical arrest procedure under the BNSS, which requires an arrest memo, informing a relative, and production before a Magistrate within 24 hours.

Caller-ID spoofing itself may violate telecom regulations under the Telecommunications Act, 2023 and TRAI rules, and telecom operators are increasingly required to filter and flag spoofed international calls displaying Indian numbers.

If threatened this way, disconnect immediately, do not transfer any money, and verify independently by visiting or calling the police station/agency through officially published numbers, not any number provided by the caller.

What to do next: 1) Disconnect the call immediately; do not transfer money or share personal details; 2) Independently verify with the police station/agency using official contact numbers; 3) Report the number and incident at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930; 4) Inform family/close contacts about the scam pattern to prevent repeat targeting.

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 Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D 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.