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

If you are in Mumbai, common questions on digital arrest scams, explained in plain terms, for someone in Mumbai.

Before the frequently asked questions

In most cases, 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 Mumbai

• The High Court with jurisdiction is the Bombay High Court.
• Matters at the district level are generally handled at the Mumbai City Civil Court, or the Court of Small Causes for tenancy matters.
• The relevant police authority is the Mumbai Police.
• Cyber complaints in the area are generally routed through Maharashtra Cyber (headquartered at Mahape).

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 this touches a situation you are dealing with, you are welcome to discuss it in a consultation.

This overview is general information, not legal advice. Procedures and local practice can differ, so a specific review of your matter is advisable before acting.