PIB Fact Check Flags False ‘Digital Arrest’ Letter Circulating Online

The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check team has issued a strong warning after a fraudulent letter, falsely attributed to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), began circulating on social media and messaging apps.

The document accuses recipients of various offences and demands an immediate reply to avert an alleged ‘arrest warrant’.

The letter, styled to appear official, attempts to intimidate individuals by citing fabricated charges and urging them to respond to avoid imminent legal action.

PIB Fact Check confirms that the I4C or any other government department did not issue the document, which is entirely bogus.

Officials stated that such letters aim to create panic and coerce recipients into complying with the scammers’ demands. The tactic forms part of a wider pattern known as a ‘digital arrest’ scam.

Authorities Confirm: This Is a Digital Arrest Scam

The government has clarified that the letter is part of a fraudulent scheme where scammers attempt to manipulate victims by pretending to be law enforcement authorities. By threatening arrest, cybercriminals often demand personal information, remote access to devices, or direct payments.

PIB Fact Check emphasised that legitimate government agencies never issue arrest warnings, legal notices, or urgent demands for action via email, WhatsApp, or social-media platforms. Any such communication should be treated as suspicious.

Authorities have appealed to citizens to remain cautious when confronted with threatening online messages. Cyber-safety experts advise that individuals encountering such communications should:

• Avoid responding to the message
• Refrain from sharing personal or financial details
• Never transfer money, regardless of the urgency claimed

Authorities also encourage the public to report such scams to official cybercrime portals to help prevent further misuse.

The government continues to urge digital users to exercise caution, stressing that awareness is the strongest safeguard against online deception.

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