Police and Arrest Threat Scams
A caller says they are police, a warrant has been issued, or your ID was used in a crime. How police impersonation and arrest threat scams work, including "digital arrest" video calls, and how to check.
"This is the police. Your identity has been linked to a money laundering case. A warrant has been issued for your arrest." Few calls are more frightening. Police impersonation scams use fear of authority to make people act fast and do exactly as they are told, including handing over large sums of money.
How the scam works
- The accusation: your ID, bank account, phone number or parcel has been linked to a crime such as drugs, money laundering or fraud.
- The authority: the caller gives a name, badge number and case number, and may transfer you to a "senior officer", "customs" or a "judge".
- The isolation: you are told the case is confidential, not to tell family or bank staff, and to stay on the line.
- The payment: to clear your name, verify your funds or avoid arrest, you must transfer money, pay a fine, or move savings to a "government safe account".
"Digital arrest" video calls
In some countries, scammers hold victims on video calls for hours, sometimes days, in front of a fake police station backdrop, with people in uniform. The victim is told they are under "digital arrest" and must not leave or contact anyone. This is entirely fake. Genuine police do not arrest people by video call.
Genuine police never: demand payment to stop an arrest, ask you to move money to protect it, keep you on a call and forbid you from telling anyone, or arrest you over the phone.
Illustrative example
- An accusation designed to frighten.
- A demand to move money to "prove innocence".
- Secrecy, including from your bank.
How to check
- End the call. You are allowed to hang up on anyone, including someone claiming to be police.
- Call your local police on the official number from their website, using a different phone if possible.
- Talk to someone you trust. Scammers rely on isolation.
- Never share codes or move money while you check.
Caller ID can be faked to show a real police number. See how to verify a caller.
If you have paid or shared details
- Call your bank immediately to try to stop the payment. See what to tell your bank.
- If you installed an app or shared your screen, disconnect and secure your accounts. See after giving a scammer remote access.
- Report it to the real police and your national fraud service. In India, the cybercrime helpline is 1930.
Got a message or call like this? Paste a description or screenshot into CyberWatch AI Scan for a free check.
Police scams are closely related to government impersonation scams. For all the common types of online scams, read our complete guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can the police arrest me over the phone or on a video call?
No. There is no such thing as being placed under arrest by phone or video call, and genuine police do not keep you on a call for hours or demand payment to avoid arrest.
Do police ask people to transfer money to protect it during an investigation?
No. Genuine police do not ask you to move money to a 'safe account', buy gift cards, or pay a fee to clear your name.
How can I check if a police officer is real?
Hang up and call your local police through the official non-emergency number on their website, from a different phone if possible. Ask whether the officer and case exist.
Sources
- How To Avoid a Government Impersonation Scam, US Federal Trade Commission
- Phone Scams, US Federal Trade Commission
- National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, Government of India
