This article is published by The Legal Warning India and written by Advocate Uday Singh.

Senior Citizens Digital Arrest Scam – How Elderly People Are Targeted

In recent months, senior citizens have become the most vulnerable targets of a new cyber crime known as the Digital Arrest Scam. Fraudsters misuse the fear of police, courts, and jail to mentally pressure elderly people and extract money.

Many cases show that victims are retired individuals, pensioners, or elderly parents living alone.

What Is the Digital Arrest Scam?

Digital arrest is a fake and illegal concept created by cyber criminals. In this scam, fraudsters:

• Impersonate police, cyber crime officers, CBI, or ED officials
• Contact victims through WhatsApp video calls
• Claim the person is under investigation or arrest
• Threaten immediate jail or asset seizure

No Indian law allows arrest through WhatsApp or video calls.

Why Senior Citizens Are Soft Targets

Cyber criminals deliberately target elderly people because:

• They have high respect and fear of police authority
• They are less familiar with cyber crime patterns
• They may not verify information online
• They hesitate to involve family members

Scammers use this emotional vulnerability to create panic and urgency.

Common Techniques Used Against Elderly Victims

1️⃣ Fake Police Video Calls

Scammers appear in police uniform, show fake ID cards, and use threatening language.

2️⃣ False Criminal Allegations

They accuse the victim of money laundering, parcel scams, or misuse of Aadhaar.

3️⃣ Isolation Pressure

Victims are told not to speak to family members or lawyers.

4️⃣ Immediate Payment Demand

Money is demanded in the name of verification, bail, or settlement.

Legal Reality: How Arrest Actually Works in India

As per Indian legal procedure:

• Arrest can only happen through physical police presence
• Written notice or warrant is mandatory
• Arrest memo must be prepared
• Family members must be informed

Any claim of digital or WhatsApp arrest is fraudulent.

What Should Senior Citizens Do If They Receive Such a Call?

• Do not panic or continue the call
• Disconnect immediately
• Do not share Aadhaar, PAN, OTP, or bank details
• Never transfer money
• Inform a family member at once

If Money Has Already Been Lost

If a senior citizen has already transferred money:

• Inform the bank immediately
• Call cyber crime helpline 1930
• Register a cyber crime complaint

Quick action increases the possibility of blocking transactions.

Read Also: Related Awareness Article

To understand the WhatsApp arrest scam in detail, read this article:

👉
Cyber Crime Digital Arrest: Kya Police WhatsApp Par Arrest Kar Sakti Hai?

Important Message for Families

Families must educate elderly parents about:

• Cyber crime trends
• Fake police calls
• The importance of verifying before reacting

Awareness within families is the strongest protection.

Disclaimer: This article is for general legal information and awareness purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or solicitation. Communication is purely informational, in compliance with Bar Council of India Rule 36.