Cybercrime is one of the fastest-growing challenges of the digital age. Every day, criminals sitting in different parts of the country and even abroad are targeting innocent citizens through sophisticated online frauds. As Commissioner of Police, Nagpur City, I have observed with concern the increasing number of cybercrime complaints are being reported to the Nagpur City Police Commissionerate. These include Investment Fraud, UPI Fraud, Credit Card Fraud, Loan App Fraud, Online Shopping Fraud, Customer Care Fraud, Telegram Task Fraud, Social Media Fraud, Fake Advertisement Fraud, APK File Fraud, and various forms of Fake SMS and Call frauds. However, among all these crimes, one of the most dangerous and emotionally devastating frauds today is the so-called “Digital Arrest Fraud”. I feel it is important to address citizens directly on this issue because the fraudsters behind these crimes do not merely steal money; they exploit fear, trust, and vulnerability.

 

In many cases, they target those who are least prepared to deal with such deception—senior citizens, retired persons, homemakers, women living alone, and individuals who are unfamiliar with the methods employed by cybercriminals. The modus operandi is simple yet highly effective. A person receives a phone call or video call from someone claiming to be an officer from the Police, CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Customs Department, Telecom Department, RBI, or another Government agency. The caller informs the victim that their Aadhaar card, mobile number, bank account, or a parcel in their name has been linked to a serious crime such as money laundering, drug trafficking, financial fraud, or some other illegal activity. The victim is then threatened with arrest, legal action, freezing of bank accounts, or public embarrassment.

 

To make the deception appear genuine, the fraudsters often display fake identity cards, forged official documents, fabricated arrest warrants, and even conduct video calls from locations designed to resemble government offices. The victim is instructed not to speak to family members or friends and is told that they are under a “digital arrest” or “online investigation”. Under intense psychological pressure, many victims end up transferring large sums of money to accounts specified by the fraudsters in the belief that the money is being deposited for verification or security purposes. A recent case that came directly before me at the Nagpur City Police Commissionerate illustrates the devastating impact of this fraud. A retired woman government officer, who had accumulated nearly Rs 60 lakh through a lifetime of honest service, was contacted by fraudsters claiming that her bank account had been linked to terrorist financing activities.

 

Through fake arrest warrants, forged documents, video calls impersonating law enforcement officials, and continuous psychological pressure, she was made to believe that she was facing imminent arrest. Terrified and isolated from her family, she transferred Rs 25 lakh to accounts controlled by the fraudsters. The criminals then intensified their pressure and demanded an additional Rs 15 lakh. Fortunately, before the transfer could be completed, her relatives noticed suspicious activity and brought her to my office. Immediate intervention by the police prevented further loss and saved Rs 5 lakh of her hard-earned savings. This case is a powerful reminder that cybercriminals do not rely on technology alone; they weaponise fear, authority, and deception to manipulate even educated and law-abiding citizens into surrendering their life’s savings. Over the past months, I have personally met victims who have lost their life’s savings to such frauds.

 

The most painful cases are those involving retired citizens who have spent decades building a retirement fund, only to lose everything within a few hours. When a senior citizen comes to the police and says that the money accumulated through a lifetime of hard work has been fraudulently taken away, it is not merely a financial loss; it is an emotional and psychological tragedy. In many cases, the damage cannot be fully repaired. Therefore, I want every citizen to remember one simple and important fact: there is no concept of “Digital Arrest” under Indian law. No police officer, no CBI officer, no ED officer, no customs official, no judge, and no Government authority can arrest you through a phone call or video call.

 

Likewise, no legitimate Government agency will ever ask you to transfer money to avoid arrest, facilitate an investigation, or verify your innocence. If anyone makes such a demand, it is a fraud. Women and senior citizens must exercise particular caution because cybercriminals deliberately seek out individuals whom they believe can be intimidated or emotionally manipulated. I urge family members to regularly discuss cyber safety with their parents, grandparents, and relatives. A simple conversation and a little awareness can prevent the loss of a lifetime’s savings. Nagpur City Police has been conducting continuous awareness programmes across the city through community meetings, workshops in educational institutions, public outreach initiatives, and the Police Didi programme. Our objective is to ensure that every citizen understands the risks posed by cybercrime and knows how to respond when confronted by suspicious calls, messages, or online offers.

 

However, no awareness campaign can substitute for individual vigilance. My advice to every citizen is straightforward. Never share OTPs, passwords, banking credentials, or personal information with anyone. Never download APK files or applications received from unknown sources. Never transfer money because someone has threatened you over a phone call. If you receive such a call, disconnect immediately, consult a trusted family member, and verify the information through official channels. Most importantly, do not allow fear to dictate your actions. In the event of any cyber fraud, time is of the essence.

 

Report the incident immediately by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline on 1930 or by registering a complaint at Cyber Police Cell. Prompt reporting can often help prevent further losses and improve the chances of recovery. As citizens increasingly embrace digital technology, cyber awareness must become a part of everyday life. The strongest defence against cybercrime is not technology alone—it is an informed and alert citizenry. Let us work together to ensure that cybercriminals find no victims in our city. Stay vigilant. Stay informed. Stay safe. “Aware Citizens, Safe Nagpur.”