The Supreme Court has expressed deep concern over the increasing incidents of online fraud and digital arrest in the country. The court, taking suo motu initiative, has sought a response from the central government and CBI in these matters. A bench of Supreme Court Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi said that this is not an ordinary crime. Creating fake copies of the court’s name, seal, and orders is a direct attack on the entire justice system. In fact, fraudsters had swindled ₹1.05 crore from a 73-year-old elderly couple in Ambala district, Haryana, between September 3 and 16. They digitally arrested the couple by showing fake orders of the Supreme Court and investigative agencies, and forged signatures of judges. After the incident, the woman wrote a letter to CJI B.R. Gavai on September 21, explaining the entire matter. Following this, the Supreme Court itself took action on the case. Meanwhile, according to Delhi Police data, cybercriminals have defrauded people of approximately ₹1,000 crore in Delhi in 2025. This year, investment scams, digital arrests, and boss scams have become the most common methods of fraud. Thugs showed fake court orders to the couple The woman stated that the thugs identified themselves as CBI, ED officers. They showed fake court orders to the couple through audio and video calls, which had fake court seals and judges’ signatures. After this, the thugs threatened them and made them transfer ₹1.05 crore to different bank accounts. Orders to Centre, CBI and Haryana Police The Supreme Court has sought assistance from the Attorney General and has directed the Haryana government and Ambala Cyber Crime Unit to submit a complete report of the investigation conducted so far to the court. The court said that a spreading network of such crimes is emerging across the country. Therefore, not just one case needs to be investigated, but central and state police will have to work together at a national level. ₹1100 crore Cyber Fraud in 2024 In the year 2024, cyber fraud of about 1,100 crore rupees was committed against the people of Delhi. At that time, the police and banks were able to freeze only about 10% of the defrauded money, but in 2025, the Delhi Police, in collaboration with banks, has succeeded in stopping approximately 20% of the defrauded money. This means, this achievement is double compared to last year. Fluent English speaking, showing I-cards and logo in the background The fraudsters speak fluent English. They show ID cards during video calls. Whichever agency’s officer they transfer the call to, the agency’s logo is visible in the backdrop. The setup displayed during the alleged hearing is also that of a courtroom, which makes people believe them. An officer associated with cyber investigation states that highly educated, high-ranking, and retired people respect the law more. They consider these cyber criminals to be real officers. Whereas, there is no provision in the country for such investigations and money transfers over the phone. Police appeal – complain immediately, money can be saved DCP Vineet Kumar of Delhi Police’s Intelligence Fusion and Strategic Operations (IFSO) Unit said – As soon as someone discovers cyber fraud, immediately call the 1930 helpline number. If you report quickly, we can get the money in bank accounts frozen. He informed that Delhi Police has arranged 24 helpline lines operating 24 hours a day, so that people can register their complaints immediately. These messages look authentic because they appear to be from official IDs or company numbers. That’s why people get deceived.
