The power of a name: How ‘digital arrest’ scammers weaponise top cops’ reputations

In the world of the so-called “digital arrest” scam, the first tool used by cybercriminals is often not malicious software or phishing links — it is a name. When the phone rings late at night and a stern voice introduces itself as a senior police official, the psychological trap is already set.

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Scammers increasingly invoke the names of well-known law enforcement figures to intimidate victims into compliance. By citing officers who built reputations through high-profile policing, fraudsters exploit the authority and fear associated with those names to push victims into silence and submission.

Borrowing the authority of famous officers

In several recent cases, cybercrime investigators say fraudsters have invoked the name of Mumbai “encounter specialist” Daya Nayak or former Delhi Police commissioner Neeraj Kumar during calls to victims.

In one case reported in Ahmedabad, a retired professional was kept under what the fraudsters called “surveillance” for more than 48 hours. The callers claimed to be subordinates of “DCP Daya Nayak” and warned the victim of immediate custodial interrogation if he disconnected the video call.

Investigators say the tactic works because it taps into a specific psychological trigger. Instead of simply fearing the police, the victim fears a specific figure associated with uncompromising law enforcement, making them less likely to question the legitimacy of the call.

Cybercriminals have also invoked the names of former police chiefs such as S N Shrivastava and Rakesh Asthana in similar scams.

Fake identities, real fear

Officials say this misuse of names functions like a brand — one designed to project absolute authority. A commonly used identity in many FIRs across states is “CBI prosecutor Vikram Goswami”.

According to investigators, there is no single individual making these calls. Instead, the name acts as a scripted persona, complete with legal jargon and a carefully staged video call environment.

Fraudsters often set up video calls with backdrops resembling police offices, complete with files, national emblems and the sound of wireless communication in the background. The caller may even wear a police uniform — often with incorrect insignia — but it is the familiar name on the nameplate that convinces the victim.

To reinforce the deception, scammers send forged documents through messaging platforms, including fake notices carrying the logos of agencies such as the Delhi Police, the Central Bureau of Investigation and other government bodies.

Escalating pressure through staged investigations

During the call, fraudsters frequently claim the victim is linked to a serious criminal investigation and warn that the case could be transferred to agencies such as the CBI, the Enforcement Directorate or the Reserve Bank of India if they fail to cooperate.

In some cases, scammers cite real offices to enhance credibility. Investigators say fraudsters have even referred to the office of the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations) — often attaching random names to the official address in Dwarka.

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This layered performance is designed to create what investigators describe as a psychological cage, where the victim believes that questioning the caller could lead to an immediate police raid or arrest.

Cybercrime officers say the only effective defence against such impersonation is awareness.

“No matter how famous the name on the other end of the call might be, the police do not arrest people over video calls or messaging platforms,” said a retired senior officer whose identity has also been misused in similar scams. “Once people realise that the law doesn’t operate through a smartphone screen, the entire illusion collapses.”

(With inputs from TOI)