New Delhi/Alive News: The Supreme Court on Thursday expressed concern over the growing number of digital arrest scams, questioning why people continue to fall victim despite awareness campaigns and extensive media coverage.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said that even educated people were being cheated by cybercriminals. He remarked that if someone claims to be arresting a person through a mobile phone, the person should simply throw the phone against a wall, and the so-called arrest would end.
More than 22,000 digital arrest cases have been registered across the country in 2026, with victims losing over ₹800 crore, according to the figures cited in the report. In 2025, 58,239 cases were reported, involving losses of around ₹1,211 crore.
Victims Lose Savings Under Mental Pressure
Senior advocate and amicus curiae N.S. Nappinai told the court that a woman had recently lost ₹2.5 crore in a digital arrest scam. She explained that fraudsters create fear of arrest and put victims under intense mental pressure, forcing them to follow instructions and transfer their savings.
Supreme Court Calls Digital Arrest Scams ‘Digital Robbery’
During the October 28 hearing, the Supreme Court said cybercriminals involved in such scams should face strict punishment. The court described digital arrest fraud as “digital robbery” and observed that it was more serious than ordinary extortion. It also noted that elderly people were often targeted through video calls.
The remarks came during a hearing on a petition filed by Gaurav Kumar Saha and Nidhi Bhandari. They sought the consolidation of 35 cybercrime cases registered across 12 states. The petitioners claimed that their company’s bank account had been used to receive and transfer money linked to fraud without their knowledge.
The court said victims should not be forced to travel to Delhi merely for the convenience of the accused. It also stressed that the petitioners should not be allowed to interfere with investigations being conducted in different states.
Court Seeks Stricter Law Against Digital Arrest
During a hearing on July 28, the Supreme Court asked the Centre to consider introducing a separate offence for digital arrest under criminal law, with stricter penalties. The bench also said that the assets of accused persons could be frozen if supported by concrete evidence.
Cyber Fraud Risks Increase During Festivals
Cybersecurity company Arctic Wolf has warned that online fraud risks may rise during the festive season as people increasingly use digital payments, shop online and make travel bookings.
Fraudsters may send fake discount offers, parcel delivery alerts, bank notifications, Know Your Customer (KYC) updates and electricity bill reminders. These messages often contain malicious links designed to steal personal and financial information.
Fraudulent applications may also be used to obtain passwords and one-time passwords (OTPs).
Cybersecurity experts advise people not to open suspicious links or install unknown applications. They should verify bank alerts, payment requests and KYC messages through official websites or applications.
People should never share OTPs, banking details or other sensitive information with callers claiming to represent government agencies, banks or law enforcement authorities.
