Threats from a fake officer ('digital arrest')

Someone claiming to be police, customs or a courier says you are in trouble and must pay or stay on a video call.

How it works

A call or message says a parcel in your name contains illegal items, or that your identity is linked to a crime.
The caller passes you to a 'police officer' on video, often in a uniform and an official-looking room, and says you are under 'digital arrest' and must stay on the call and tell no one.
They then ask you to move money to a 'safe account' for verification. No genuine agency does this.

Warning signs

No real agency arrests people over a video call or demands payment to clear a case.
Demand for secrecy or to stay on the call.
Transferring money to a 'safe' or 'government' account.
Calls from foreign numbers or ones that spoof real numbers.

What to do

Hang up. Real authorities send written notices and do not demand money over the phone.
Call the real agency using its official website's number.
Tell a family member or friend straight away. Report to the cyber-crime channel for your country.

A made-up example of what you might hear

'This is the Cyber Cell. A parcel in your name has been seized. You are under investigation and must stay on this video call. Do not tell anyone, or it will be treated as obstruction.'

If you already paid or shared a code

Call your bank or card issuer straight away and ask them to block the card, account or payment. Use the number on the card or the official website.
Change passwords for any account that may be affected, starting with email and banking. Turn on two-step verification.
Report it to the authorities (see the list below). Keep screenshots, phone numbers, account details, transaction IDs and times.

Where to report

Author and editorial reviewer: Prashant Nandkishor Maheshwari, 2026-10-18. Education only. Rules and reporting channels differ by country.