Beware of the "Digital Arrest" Scam

Scammers are using a frightening new tactic known as the "digital arrest" scam to convince people they've committed a crime and must pay to avoid being arrested.

Learn more about how this scam unfolds. 

How the Scam Works

• The call typically begins with someone claiming to be a legal authority on the line. They might say they’re a police officer, FBI agent, IRS employee, or other government official.
• The scammer may spoof the caller ID so it appears to come from a real agency and maybe have personal information pulled from data broker sites, social media, or the dark web.
• They accuse you of being connected to a crime. They may claim your name, phone number, bank account, or Social Security number has been linked to criminal activity, such as identity theft or money laundering.
• They place you under a fake "digital arrest." The caller tells you not to hang up, not to talk to anyone else, and sometimes not to leave your home while the "investigation" is underway. They may also claim your bank accounts have been frozen or that your activity is being monitored. 
• They demand immediate payment. The caller says you can avoid arrest or resolve the investigation by paying a fine, bond, or settlement immediately typically through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or payment apps like Zelle or Venmo. 

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Why these Scams Works

These scams are effective because they create panic. When someone claiming to be a police officer or government official tells you you're about to be arrested, it's natural to feel afraid. Scammers rely on that fear to keep you from thinking clearly or verifying what you're being told.

It's a growing tactic. According to Moody's analysis of the FBI's 2025 IC3 report, complaints involving government impersonation nearly doubled between 2024 and 2025. The increase is a reminder that criminals are becoming more sophisticated, but the best defense is to pause, hang up, and verify the situation independently.

Read: How to Hang up on Scam Calls

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Red Flags to Watch For

• You're told you're under "digital arrest." There is no such legal concept in the United States. 
• They claim your Social Security number, phone number, or bank account has been linked to criminal activity. This is a common tactic used to make the accusation seem personal and believable. 
• You're told not to hang up or to stay on a phone or video call. 
• You're instructed not to tell anyone. Scammers often claim discussing the investigation, even with your spouse, children, attorney, or bank, could interfere with the case or lead to additional charges. 
• They demand payment to avoid arrest, post bond, or get released, especially through gift cards, cryptocurrency, wire transfers, or banking apps.
• They claim that your bank accounts are frozen or your internet is being shut off as part of the "arrest."
• They send official-looking documents, badge numbers, or websites as "proof" they're legitimate. 
• There is yelling, threats, or abusive language if you hesitate or ask questions.

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If You Think You’ve Been Targeted

Even if you didn't lose any money, it's still worth reporting a call like this. It helps law enforcement spot patterns and warn other people before they fall for it. You can report it to the FBI's Internet Crime Complaint Center, the Federal Trade Commission, your local police, or your state Attorney General's office. And if the scammer claimed to be from a specific agency, like the IRS or a local police department, let that agency know too.

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How to Protect Yourself

If you’ve received a digital arrest call:

• Stay calm and don't act in the moment. Very few legitimate legal emergencies require you to hand over money or information immediately.
• Ask for the caller's name, agency, department, and badge number, then tell them you're going to hang up and call back through a number you look up yourself. Do not call one they give you. A legitimate officer or agent will have no problem with this.
• Call your local police department or the relevant government agency directly to confirm whether the claim is real.
• Remember that no legitimate law enforcement or government agency will ever ask you to pay a fee, bond, or settlement over the phone. Additionally they will never request payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or payment apps.
• If you feel pressured, scared, or unsure, it's always okay to hang up and talk it through with someone you trust before doing anything else.

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For Families

If you have an older parent or loved one, it's worth having this conversation before a call like this ever happens. Let them know that no real police officer or government agent will ever call demanding money to avoid arrest, and that it's always okay to hang up mid-call to verify independently. If they mention a strange or scary call like this, it’s important to lead with care, not frustration. Scammers prey on fear, and the fear these scams create is why they can be successful. Carefull helps families spot unusual account activity and financial warning signs before a scam like this does real damage.