Cyber Fraud Surge in Indore Exposes Growing Threat of ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams

Indore, one of India’s fastest-growing cities, saw a sharp spike in cybercrime during 2025, with fraudsters cheating thousands of residents of more than ₹100 crore, according to official police data. While improved investigation methods helped authorities recover nearly 17% of the stolen money, the overall scale of fraud highlights how quickly cybercriminal tactics are evolving.

Police records show that 8,126 people fell victim to cyber fraud over the year. The most alarming trend was the rise of so-called “digital arrest” scams, where criminals impersonate officers from agencies such as the CBI, Enforcement Directorate, or cybercrime units. Victims-mostly senior citizens-were threatened with false claims that their bank accounts were linked to serious crimes and were pressured into transferring money immediately.

A Psychological Trap Built on Fear

Experts say these scams succeed not because of advanced technology alone, but because they exploit fear and confusion. According to the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), digital arrest fraud is a psychological crime designed to trigger panic and override rational decision-making. Elderly citizens, often unfamiliar with legal procedures and cyber laws, remain the most vulnerable.

As India’s digital payments ecosystem expands, cybercrime has become increasingly organised. Investigators point to coordinated networks involving fake call centres, mule bank accounts, forged SIM cards and interstate operations. Similar structural weaknesses are also seen in financial systems, where lack of oversight creates openings for abuse-one reason businesses increasingly rely on outsourced bookkeeping India to maintain stronger controls, transparency and traceability in financial records.

Warning From Cybercrime Experts

Former IPS officer and cybercrime expert Prof. Triveni Singh has repeatedly warned that no law enforcement agency conducts arrests over phone or video calls. “These scams thrive on fear and lack of legal awareness. Unless people are educated at the grassroots level, digital arrest fraud will continue to grow,” he said.

He stressed that recovery of money alone is not enough. Dismantling mule account networks, fake identities and digital infrastructure used by fraudsters is critical to disrupting organised cybercrime.

Police Action and Key Numbers

During 2025, Indore police registered 72 major cybercrime cases and arrested 112 accused. Their efforts led to ₹17.24 crore being refunded to victims. Authorities also reported:

• Over 2,000 fake social media accounts blocked

• 1,200 hacked accounts restored

• 25,124 suspicious bank accounts frozen via NCRP

• 52 IMEI numbers and 91 mobile numbers blocked

• 2,107 lost or stolen phones traced and returned

The Road Ahead

Police officials say cybercrime units will be further strengthened, with better training and expanded public awareness campaigns. Experts emphasise that technology alone cannot solve the problem. Real progress depends on informed citizens, responsive banks, accountable platforms and strong enforcement.

Indore’s experience offers a clear warning: in a rapidly digitising India, cyber safety must be built on awareness, robust systems and coordinated action-not fear and reaction.