Union Govt asks WhatsApp to block devices used in ‘digital arrest’ scam

New Delhi – In the last few years, there has been a significant growth in ‘digital arrest’ financial scams across the country. To effectively curb this, the ‘Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Centre’ under the Ministry of Home Affairs has submitted a report to the Central Government. Based on it, the Government has ordered ‘WhatsApp’ to permanently block mobile devices used in this scam.

🚨 Big Move to Crush ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams

The Central Government has issued fresh directions to WhatsApp to tackle rising cyber frauds 👇

🔹 Fraudsters use new SIMs on the same device

🔹 Now, the entire handset used in scams may be banned

🛑 A strong step to break the cycle… pic.twitter.com/IJkPAKawt8

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) March 21, 2026

Cyber ​​criminals frequently change SIM cards to create fake WhatsApp accounts to cheat people. Even if a number is blocked by WhatsApp, another account is opened on the same mobile phone using a new SIM card. As a permanent solution to this, the Government has now decided to ban the device itself. This will prevent anyone from defrauding people through that device, at least through WhatsApp. (The Government should order the owners of other apps (such as Telegram, Viber etc.) too, to block that particular device. Else, the same criminals might use these apps on the same device to cheat people – Editor).

What is ‘digital arrest’ ?

‘Digital arrest’ is a modern form of financial scam. The victim is approached by a gang of cyber criminals who pretend to be Police officers or officers of ED, CBI, IT Department, army etc. The victim is asked to remain confined to own house over a video call. The victim is accused of a treasonous act, e.g. possession of illegal goods – drugs or fake passports, financial dealings with terrorists etc. and is forced to send a certain amount of money online within a certain period of time.