In an alarming incident that highlights the growing sophistication of cybercrime in the country, a female doctor working at a city hospital narrowly escaped becoming a victim of a chilling new form of cyber fraud—known as a ‘digital arrest’ scam. The scam unfolded earlier this week when the doctor received a video call from individuals posing as law enforcement officers. The elaborate ruse included a fabricated police station setting, uniformed men, and official-looking paraphernalia, creating a façade of legitimacy designed to induce fear and compliance. The scammers told the unsuspecting doctor that she was under investigation for alleged involvement in a money laundering case—a tactic clearly aimed at inducing panic and coercing the victim into revealing sensitive information or transferring money to prove her “innocence.” Had she not become suspicious and sought help in time, the outcome could have been financially and emotionally devastating. This incident is not an isolated one. Across the country, cybercriminals are increasingly deploying such elaborate setups—complete with fake IDs, official backdrops, and even forged arrest warrants—to deceive unsuspecting citizens, particularly professionals and the elderly. These scammers thrive on fear, exploiting people’s trust in law enforcement and their ignorance of due legal process. The rise in such digital scams signals a pressing need for a multi-pronged response. First, there is an urgent requirement for massive public awareness campaigns. People must be made aware that no genuine police investigation involves a video call threatening immediate arrest or demanding money. Law enforcement agencies do not operate via WhatsApp or Zoom, nor do they seek financial transactions over phone calls. Secondly, law enforcement agencies must bolster their cybercrime units with trained personnel and better tracking mechanisms. The sophistication of these scams suggests organized networks operating across borders, which require robust coordination between state cyber cells, central agencies, and international counterparts. Moreover, digital platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and video conferencing services must be mandated to work proactively with investigative agencies to flag and remove accounts engaged in suspicious activities. While digital privacy is essential, platforms cannot become safe havens for scamsters. Finally, it is vital to ensure that victims feel safe reporting such crimes without stigma. The doctor in this case showed remarkable presence of mind and courage, but many others may not be so fortunate. By encouraging prompt reporting and offering support to victims, authorities can stay a step ahead of the criminals. Cyber fraud is no longer limited to phishing emails or dubious links—it now wears the mask of authority. The fight against such scams must begin with awareness, vigilance, and swift enforcement action.