Digital Arrest Scam

Digital arrest is one of the most psychologically devastating scams ever created. Unlike quick phishing attacks, this scam can trap victims for hours, days, or even weeks through continuous video surveillance and psychological manipulation. **The Setup:** Scammers call claiming to be from a telecom regulator, customs agency, or police department. They say your phone number, ID, or bank account has been linked to illegal activity—drug trafficking, money laundering, or terrorism. They recite your real personal details (stolen from data breaches) to appear legitimate. **The "Arrest":** You're told an arrest warrant has been issued. To "clear your name," you must stay on a continuous video call while your case is "investigated." Scammers set up fake police station backdrops complete with uniforms, official-looking documents, and even AI-generated deepfakes of judges or government officials. **The Isolation:** You're forbidden from telling anyone or hanging up—doing so would "obstruct justice" and result in immediate arrest. Victims report being watched for 12, 40, even 70+ hours straight. One retired doctor in India died of a heart attack after 70 hours of digital arrest. **The Extortion:** To avoid "prosecution," you must transfer your savings to "safe government accounts" for verification. Victims drain bank accounts, take out loans, and liquidate investments. Money is laundered through mule accounts and cryptocurrency within hours. **Why It Works:** - Scammers know your real personal details from data breaches - Official-looking documents (fake warrants, court orders, government IDs) - Constant psychological pressure prevents rational thinking - Cultural respect for authority figures - Fear of criminal charges and public shame - Isolation from family and friends who might intervene **US Expansion:** The FBI issued warnings in November 2025 about these tactics targeting Chinese-speaking residents and Indian-American diaspora communities in the US.