In recent months, thousands of unsuspecting citizens have received scam calls claiming they are under “digital arrest” for tax-related offenses. These fraudulent calls often impersonate government agencies like the Income Tax Department or RBI. The aim? To steal your money and personal data.
Let us break down how this scam works, how you can protect yourself, and what the RBI & Cyber Cell say about it.
What Is the “Digital Arrest” Scam?
Fraudsters are calling people and claiming:
- Your PAN or Aadhaar is linked to illegal financial activity.
- You owe unpaid taxes or violated income tax rules.
- You are now “digitally arrested” and legal action will be taken.
- You can avoid arrest by transferring money or revealing OTPs.
⚠️ This is a scam. There is NO such thing as “Digital Arrest” in India.
What You Should Do Instead
🔒 Stay Calm: No genuine government authority will ever threaten you over the phone.
🔒 Don’t Share Personal Info: Never reveal your OTP, Aadhaar, PAN, or bank details on such calls.
🔒 Don’t Transfer Money: Authorities do NOT take payments through phone threats.
🔒 Report the Call:
- 📞 Cyber Helpline: Call 1930
- 💻 File a complaint: cybercrime.gov.in
📢 RBI’s Official Stand
On its 90th Anniversary, the Reserve Bank of India launched the campaign:
“Jaankaar Baniye, Satark Rahiye”
(Be Informed, Stay Alert)
Visit: rbikehtahai.rbi.org.in/da for official resources and examples of such frauds.
🛡️ Pro Tips from Ind Tax Filings
- Always cross-verify any tax-related message from incometax.gov.in or speak to your chartered accountant.
- Never share sensitive details via SMS, WhatsApp, or unknown emails.
- If confused, reach out to our experts at Ind Tax Filings. We’ll guide you step-by-step—safely and securely.
conclusion
the fake “digital arrest” scam is a serious threat targeting individuals in India, exploiting fears around tax compliance to defraud them. Remember, no legitimate government authority in India, including the Income Tax Department or the RBI, will ever resort to threatening phone calls or demand immediate financial transfers under the guise of a “digital arrest.” Your best defense is to remain vigilant, never share personal or financial information over unsolicited calls, and always verify any tax-related communication through official channels or by consulting trusted experts like Ind Tax Filings. Stay informed, stay alert, and prioritize your online safety to protect yourself from these malicious scams.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A: No. This term is completely fake. There is no legal process or terminology called “digital arrest” in India.
A: Immediately call your bank and block any transactions. Then, report the incident at cybercrime.gov.in.
A: Real notices come via email, physical mail, or through the income tax portal. You can also call the official helpline at 1800-180-1961.
A: We offer verified tax consultancy, ITR filing, GST, PAN/TAN services, and support for tax notices. No confusion. No fear.
