Supreme Court ‘shocked’ as Indians lose ₹3000 crore to digital arrest scams

The Supreme Court on Monday expressed alarm after learning that victims across India have collectively lost nearly ₹3000 crore to the so-called digital arrests scam.

A Bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, hearing a suo motu case on online fraud and impersonation rackets, described the situation as “shocking” and called for urgent judicial intervention.

“If we ignore it right now and are not able to pass harsh and stringent orders, the problem will magnify,” Justice Kant said, warning that the Court would act “with iron hands.”

The court was informed that these scams involve cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement officers and coercing victims — often senior citizens — to transfer money under the false pretext of criminal charges.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta highlighted the emotional toll, noting that “aged people are the most pathetic victims.”

The Bench also cautioned that unchecked digital frauds could undermine public faith in digital governance and law enforcement.

The Court had earlier taken suo motu cognisance following a letter from a senior citizen couple from Haryana, who fell prey to one such cybercrime.
Last week, it proposed transferring all similar cases across States to the CBI and sought responses from all State governments.