In today’s fast-paced digital era, cybercrime is one of the most pressing challenges faced by individuals and institutions alike. From phishing scams to fake police calls claiming “digital arrest,” the forms of cyber threats have become more sophisticated, leaving thousands of people vulnerable across India. This blog is meant purely for awareness and educational purposes to help you understand the dangers of cybercrime, your rights under Indian law, and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
What is Cybercrime?
Cybercrime refers to any criminal activity that involves the internet or digital devices. It can range from financial fraud to data breaches, identity theft, and extortion.
Common Types of Cybercrime:
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Online Financial Fraud – Unauthorized transactions, UPI scams, fake investment websites.
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Digital Arrest Scams – Impersonation of police/cyber officers to extort money.
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Phishing and Smishing – Fake emails/SMS to steal personal information.
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Social Media Fraud – Impersonation, fake profiles, sextortion.
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Cryptocurrency Scams – Fraudulent trading platforms and ponzi schemes.
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Job and Loan Scams – Fake job offers and loans requiring advance payments.
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Data Breach and Identity Theft – Unauthorized access to personal data.
What is Digital Arrest?
Digital Arrest is a term fraudsters use to scare innocent people into giving them money. They impersonate police officers, CBI agents, or cybercrime officials, contact victims via video or WhatsApp calls, and claim that an FIR has been filed against them. They then demand money to “settle” the matter.
How They Trick Victims:
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Using fake badges, uniforms, and ID cards.
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Sending forged legal documents like warrants or FIR copies.
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Threatening immediate arrest or legal action.
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Asking for money to “cancel the FIR.”
Important to Know:
There is no legal provision in Indian law called “Digital Arrest.” Police cannot arrest you via WhatsApp or video calls, nor can they demand money for settling cases. All arrests must follow due legal process.
Legal Sections Related to Cybercrime
Here are some important sections under Indian laws:
| Law | Section | Description |
|---|---|---|
| IPC | 419 | Impersonation |
| IPC | 420 | Cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property |
| IT Act | 66C | Identity theft |
| IT Act | 66D | Cheating by personation using computer resources |
| BNSS 318(4) | – | Relates to procedural handling of fraud or financial scams |
| CrPC | 41A Notice | Police notice before arrest for investigation |
Why Are Bank Accounts Frozen or Marked with Lien?
Many victims of cyber fraud suddenly find their bank accounts frozen or marked with a lien. This usually happens when:
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A transaction from your account is linked to a fraud case.
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Someone reports your account as a beneficiary of scammed funds.
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Your account is flagged in a police FIR.
What is a Lien?
A lien means a temporary hold on a specific amount in your bank account. It restricts you from using that amount until the issue is cleared.
How to Unfreeze a Bank Account or Remove a Lien?
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Contact Your Bank – Get details of the freeze or lien, including the FIR number and police station involved.
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File a Representation – Write to the concerned cybercrime police station and request details and resolution.
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Submit Proof – Show genuine transactions, invoices, and identity verification to prove your innocence.
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Legal Assistance – You may need to approach a lawyer and file an application before a Magistrate or High Court under CrPC sections like 451 or 457 for release of your account.
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Follow Up – Constantly follow up with the police and bank with acknowledgment and reminders.
How to Recover Money Lost in Cyber Fraud?
If you have lost money in a cyber fraud:
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Immediately Call 1930 – National Cybercrime Helpline.
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Report on cybercrime.gov.in – File a complaint online.
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Keep Evidence – Screenshots of chats, transaction ID, call recordings.
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Register FIR – Visit your local cyber cell and get an official FIR registered.
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Bank Support – File a dispute with your bank within 24-72 hours.
If reported in time, banks can sometimes reverse the transaction or freeze the beneficiary account.
How to Stay Safe from Cybercrime?
Safety Tips:
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Never share OTPs, passwords, or UPI PINs.
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Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading attachments.
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Don’t trust calls claiming to be police or RBI asking for money.
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Use two-factor authentication on all digital accounts.
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Don’t transfer funds to unknown accounts for loans, jobs, or crypto.
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Regularly check your credit and debit alerts.
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Educate elderly and children in your home—they are common targets.
What You Should Do If You’re a Victim?
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Do not panic.
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Do not pay the fraudsters anything.
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Collect all proof and report immediately.
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Seek legal advice if your account is frozen or a notice is issued.
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Stay calm and cooperative with the investigating agency.
Cybercrime is real, growing, and evolving every day. But with awareness, caution, and quick action, you can protect yourself and your loved ones. Always stay alert online and do not fall prey to fake threats or illegal demands. If you ever face such a situation, report immediately through the right channels.
Disclaimer: This blog is for public awareness only. It does not substitute legal advice. Each cybercrime case is unique and may require legal representation based on the facts.