Digital Arrest Scams: How They Work and What the Supreme Court Has Directed: Frequently Asked Questions in Kolkata

Where the property or matter is in Kolkata, this page sets out, in general terms, how common questions on digital arrest scams works for someone in Kolkata.

Before the frequently asked questions

As a general rule, a 'digital arrest' is not a recognised legal process in India. No police officer, court, or enforcement agency can arrest or detain a person over a video call.

The Supreme Court took suo motu cognizance of digital arrest scams on 17 Oct 2025, after an Ambala couple lost ₹1.05 crore to forged Supreme Court and Enforcement Directorate orders.

Frequently asked questions

Is 'digital arrest' a real legal procedure in India?

No. There is no such thing as an arrest conducted over a video call. It is a fraud technique that imitates the appearance of a police or court proceeding to pressure victims into transferring money.

What has the Supreme Court done about digital arrest scams?

Since taking suo motu cognizance in October 2025, the Supreme Court has directed a pan-India CBI probe (Dec 2025), called for an SOP and compensation framework (Feb 2026), and directed the RBI and states to implement debit-hold procedures, grievance portals, and e-Zero FIR (Aug 2026).

Relevant forums in Kolkata

• The High Court with jurisdiction is the Calcutta High Court.
• Matters at the district level are generally handled at the Kolkata City Civil Court or Presidency Small Causes Court.
• The relevant police authority is Kolkata Police.
• Cyber complaints in the area are generally routed through the Kolkata Police cybercrime branch (Lalbazar).

For a fuller explanation, see Bank Account Freezes in Cyber Fraud Cases: An Unsettled Area, Reporting Cyber Fraud: Timelines and Your Liability, and Where to Report Cyber Fraud: Portals, Helplines, and e-Zero FIR.

If you are weighing a decision on this, a short consultation can help map out the options.

This page is general information about the law in India and is not legal advice. The position can vary with the facts, so it is worth getting advice on your specific situation.