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

For someone based in Bengaluru, this page sets out, in general terms, how common questions on digital arrest scams works for someone in Bengaluru.

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 Bengaluru

• The High Court with jurisdiction is the Karnataka High Court.
• Matters at the district level are generally handled at the Bengaluru City Civil & Sessions Court, or the Court of Small Causes for rent matters.
• The relevant police authority is the Bengaluru City Police.
• Cyber complaints in the area are generally routed through a Cyber Crime Police Station under the Karnataka Cyber Command (formerly a CEN station).

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 is general, educational information and not legal advice. Specific facts can change the analysis, so a qualified advocate should review your situation before you act.