TVN Scam Watch: Ring Ring.... Your Parcel Is Stuck With Customs: How Digital Arrest Works, How To Safeguard Yourself

Imagine this: You’re going about your day when suddenly your phone rings. On the other end is someone claiming to be from a top government agency—police, CBI, you name it—and they have some “urgent news” for you. You’re being accused of financial fraud, or maybe even drug trafficking! Before you know it, panic sets in, and the fraudsters have you right where they want you. Welcome to the world of the "Digital Arrest" scam—a twisted drama unfolding one call at a time.
The internet might have made life easier, but it’s also given cybercriminals new tools to play with. In the latest episode of “how to scam someone,” these tech-savvy thieves don’t just hack your data—they hijack your emotions. The Digital Arrest scam works by getting you to believe that you’re in serious legal trouble. The twist? The scammer is no officer at all, just a smooth-talking con artist looking to empty your bank account.
How Does the Scam Work?
The plot begins with an unexpected call—often from someone posing as a law enforcement officer. They’ll claim you’ve committed a serious crime like money laundering or worse. If you resist their demands, they’ll escalate, threatening to have you arrested on the spot. And here’s the kicker: they might even ask you to “stay on the line” via video call to create a sense of urgency.
But that’s not all. Some scammers go full Bollywood, throwing in fake crying sounds or pretending to be your family member in distress. The goal? To break down your defenses and get you to send money—or worse, give them access to your private information.
Special Appearance by the Fake Parcel Scam
In another popular version, scammers tell you a parcel containing illegal goods has been seized in your name, or that a family member is in deep trouble. They’ll even accuse you of using your Aadhaar or phone number for shady activities. It’s all designed to make you panic and act without thinking.
How to Stay Out of This Drama?
Don’t pick up unknown calls—especially if they claim to be government officials.
Verify their story by calling the agency directly through official channels.
Keep calm and hang up. Don’t let anyone rush you into decisions.
Don’t share personal info like passwords or bank details over the phone.
Stay updated on the latest scams and educate your loved ones!
At the end of the day, prevention is better than cure. So next time you get that “urgent” call, remember: the only drama you should entertain is on your TV, not your phone!