Fake police cyber calls have become one of the fastest-growing fraud techniques in India. Scammers pretend to be Cyber Police, CBI, Crime Branch, Customs, NCB, RBI, or courier officials to scare victims and extort money. These calls are part of the dangerous “digital arrest scam,” where cybercriminals try to create fear by threatening arrest, bank freeze, legal action, or criminal charges.
Understanding how to identify a fake police cyber call is extremely important to protect yourself and your family from financial loss and mental stress.
This blog explains how fake police calls work, the signs of fraud, how to stay safe, and what to do if you have already become a victim.
What is a Fake Police Cyber Call?
A fake police cyber call is a type of cyber fraud where scammers:
-
Pretend to be Cyber Crime Police
-
Use fake officer names and IDs
-
Show forged badge or ID on video call
-
Threaten immediate arrest
-
Claim your Aadhaar or bank account is involved in crime
-
Demand urgent payment to “settle the case”
The entire goal is to scare you into paying money quickly.
Why Fake Police Cyber Calls Are Increasing in India
These calls are spreading across India because:
-
Fraudsters have access to spoof calling tools
-
People easily believe uniform or official tone
-
Lack of awareness about real police procedures
-
Scammers use psychological pressure
-
Social media and data leaks expose phone numbers
-
People panic when hearing about criminal allegations
These gangs operate from India AND abroad, especially targeting working professionals, women, and senior citizens.
How Fake Police Cyber Calls Usually Start
Most fake calls begin with:
-
A parcel stuck at airport
-
A SIM card linked to crime
-
Bank account involved in money laundering
-
Aadhaar used for illegal activity
-
Amazon or Flipkart order fraud
-
Customs department complaint
-
Foreign package investigation
After this, the scammer asks you to join a video call, where fake “officers” appear on screen.
Important Signs That the Call is Fake
You should immediately identify fraud if any of the following happens:
-
Caller threatens immediate arrest
-
Asks you to join a WhatsApp or Skype video call
-
Shows fake FIR or notice on WhatsApp
-
Demands money to stop action
-
Claims your account is in money laundering
-
Asks for Aadhaar, PAN, selfies, or bank details
-
Says “your case will be closed after payment”
-
Talks like a movie script police officer
-
Shows a “digital warrant” on the call
Real Indian police never operate like this.
How Real Police Communicate in India
Real police procedures are very different:
-
They do not call from WhatsApp or Skype
-
They do not demand money online
-
They do not threaten arrest on phone
-
They do not conduct video call interrogations
-
They do not freeze bank accounts without written notice
-
They call you through official landline numbers or summon letters
-
Communication is always written, not through fear tactics
Any call that feels dramatic, urgent, or forceful is almost always fake.
How to Stay Safe From Fake Police Cyber Calls
You can protect yourself by following simple safety practices:
-
Disconnect the call immediately
-
Never send money to unknown accounts
-
Do not join video calls on WhatsApp or Skype
-
Do not share Aadhaar, PAN, bank details
-
Do not panic even if they claim serious charges
-
Validate the caller by checking the police station number online
-
Call 1930 if you suspect fraud
-
Visit your nearest police station for clarification
-
Enable privacy settings on social media
-
Avoid sharing your number publicly
Scammers work on fear. Awareness breaks their strategy.
If You Have Already Sent Money or Documents
Do the following immediately:
-
Report on the National Cyber Crime Portal
-
Call 1930 and request freezing of scammer accounts
-
File written complaint at your local cyber police station
-
Inform your bank’s fraud department
-
Change your passwords and secure accounts
-
Save screenshots, call recordings, and payment proof
-
Contact a cybercrime advocate to guide further action
Time is very important in digital arrest or fake police scams.
What is Digital Arrest and How to Stay Safe
Digital arrest is a fake scenario created by scammers where they:
-
Force you to stay on call for hours
-
Threaten that police are “monitoring” you
-
Ask you to show your room on video call
-
Pressurize you to pay money to avoid arrest
Remember:
-
Digital arrest does not exist in real law
-
Police never conduct arrests on video calls
-
No officer asks for money to cancel a case
-
Real legal notices never come on WhatsApp
Staying calm and disconnecting the call is the best protection.
What to Do if Your Bank Account Gets Frozen Due to Scam
Sometimes victims get their bank accounts frozen after reporting fraud. If your account is frozen:
-
Visit your bank
-
Ask the reason for freeze
-
Contact the cyber police station handling the complaint
-
Provide your explanation and documents
-
Request NOC for unfreezing
-
If delay is long, file a court petition for unfreeze
Correct documentation helps in fast clearance.
Fake police cyber calls are one of the most dangerous scams because they use fear and pressure to force payments. Awareness, calmness, and quick action can fully protect you. Real Indian police never threaten arrest on phone or demand money online. Always verify before reacting.
If you face such a situation, report immediately and take legal guidance to protect your rights.
Disclaimer
This blog is created purely for educational and awareness purposes. It does not contain any promotion, advertisement, endorsement, engagement, or solicitation of legal services in any manner. All information provided is for general awareness only. If you are a victim of any cybercrime or online fraud, immediately call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or file a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.