Digital arrest scams are not merely cybercrimes; they are acts of organised intimidation that rob people of their money, dignity and peace of mind. Fraudsters posing as police officers, CBI officials, customs authorities or other government representatives exploit fear to turn ordinary citizens into helpless victims. The term “digital arrest” may sound official, but it has no legal basis in Indian law.The modus operandi is chillingly simple. Victims receive calls or video calls from impostors who accuse them of involvement in criminal cases, money laundering or illegal activities. They are threatened with arrest, interrogation and public humiliation. Sometimes, they are kept under constant video surveillance and told not to contact family members or anyone outside the so-called investigation.Fear becomes the weapon; technology becomes the tool; and savings accumulated over a lifetime become the target. Elderly citizens, pensioners, professionals and even well-informed individuals have fallen prey to these sophisticated traps. The shame and psychological pressure are often so intense that victims transfer huge sums of money before realising they have been deceived. For many families, the loss is not merely financial. It destroys trust, creates anxiety and leaves lasting emotional scars. Calling these crimes “digital dacoity” is therefore justified. Traditional robbers use weapons to seize valuables; digital criminals use fabricated authority, threats and psychological manipulation to achieve the same objective. Their virtual uniforms may be convincing, but their intentions are criminal. The response must go beyond issuing advisories after every major fraud. Law-enforcement agencies need stronger cybercrime investigation capabilities, faster coordination with banks and digital payment platforms, and prompt action to freeze suspicious transactions. Every minute matters when stolen money is moving across accounts. Public awareness is equally crucial. No genuine law-enforcement agency arrests someone through a video call or demands money to settle an investigation. No citizen should transfer funds merely because a caller claims to be a police officer or judge. Suspicious calls must be disconnected and independently verified through official channels. Victims should report financial cyber fraud immediately through India's cybercrime helpline 1930 and the official portal, cybercrime.gov.in. Prompt reporting can improve the chances of stopping or recovering the money, though recovery is never guaranteed.Digital India cannot become a safe India unless digital security keeps pace with digital convenience. Technology must empower citizens, not expose them to fear and exploitation. The fight against digital dacoity demands vigilant citizens, accountable institutions and swift law enforcement. The message must be unmistakable: no uniform, real or virtual, gives criminals the right to terrorise citizens or loot their savings.