Digital Arrest Scams: SCAORA Urges Supreme Intervention!
The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has once again raised the alarm on the lurking menace of “digital arrest” scams, and this time, it’s taken its cause to the highest judicial authority—seeking intervention from the Supreme Court itself. With growing concern for fundamental rights, SCAORA claims that these scams jeopardize citizens’ personal liberty as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution.
The Alarming Rise in Digital Arrest Scams
Statistics paint a grim picture, with incidents of digital arrests escalating at an alarming rate. As noted by the Ministry of Home Affairs on March 25, 2025, nearly 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts suspected in these scams have been identified and blocked. In a broader sweep, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre reportedly blocked over 7.81 lakh SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEIs by the end of February 2025. These figures underscore the vast scale and ongoing threat of digital arrest activities.
The Case That Brought Attention
Among the haunting stories is that of a 72-year-old Advocate-on-Record who became a victim to the tune of approximately 3.29 crores in a digital arrest scam. Despite her relentless pursuit, she has only recovered Rs.13.5 lakhs. “Jurisdictional hurdles and the complex web of inter-state and international crime factors have left her desperate for justice,” writes SCAORA, highlighting the delays due to the absence of a uniform Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).
The Letter of the Law – And Its Gaps
SCAORA’s petition raises key concerns. It stresses how these scams, fueled by artificial intelligence, not only defraud individuals but also endanger national security. Citing the complexities of Sections 318 BNS, 351 BNS, 308 BNS, and 319 BNS, the plea points to a tangled mess involving multiple legal categories—cheating, extortion, and personation—each complicating investigations across banks and states.
The Urgent Call for Action
SCAORA has proposed an enhanced collaborative effort: CERT-In, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology, and the Ministry of Home Affairs must work under a unified SOP to swiftly identify, freeze, and retrieve scammed funds. Furthermore, the association strongly advocates for a robust, dual-layered legislative approach under FEMA’s preventive measures and the punitive mechanisms of PMLA.
Raising Awareness: A National Imperative
In addressing this pervasive issue, SCAORA emphasizes the need for a nationwide awareness campaign. It urges the Central and State governments, alongside the RBI and banking officials, to educate citizens on safeguarding themselves against these psychological and financial attacks.
A Call for Cross-Border Cooperation
SCAORA’s plea insists upon international cooperation, which is deemed essential in tackling the digital scam syndicates that often operate from foreign lands, escaping domestic law enforcement. According to Live Law, this effective cross-border collaboration could hold the key to combating digital arrest scams.
As the Supreme Court hears the case titled “In Re: Victims of Digital Arrest Related to Forged Documents,” SMW (Crl.) 3⁄2025, all eyes remain peeled on how decisive actions may unfold to safeguard the nation’s citizens against digital detainment and fraud.