🚨 “Sir, This Is the Income Tax Department. You Are Under Digital Arrest.” 🚨

Last week, a client walked into my office visibly shaken.

He had received a WhatsApp video call.
On the screen were two men in uniforms.
Behind them was a backdrop with the CBI logo.

They knew his PAN, last return filed, and bank name.

The message was clear and threatening.

“You have tax evasion charges.”
“Do not disconnect the call.”
“You are under digital arrest.”
“Transfer the amount immediately to avoid prosecution.”

He froze.

This was not a poorly written SMS.
This was high-grade psychological fraud.

Fortunately, he paused.
Instead of paying, he called his Chartered Accountant.

That one decision saved him lakhs.

What Just Happened?

This is a Digital Arrest Scam.
It is spreading fast across India.

Fraudsters pose as Income Tax, CBI, ED, or Police officials.
They use WhatsApp video calls to create fear and urgency.
They isolate the victim and force instant payment.

No paperwork.
No portal notice.
Only pressure.

The Hard Truth You Must Know

The Income Tax Department will NEVER:

• Video call you
• WhatsApp you
• Arrest you digitally
• Ask for tax payment over calls
• Demand secrecy or instant action

Never.

Not once.

How Income Tax Notices Are ACTUALLY Issued

If it is real, it will always follow this process:

• Notice available on the Income Tax e-Filing portal
• Sent to your registered email ID
• Contains a valid DIN (Document Identification Number)
• Verifiable online using the DIN search facility

No DIN = No notice = No authority.

How My Client Was Saved

We did three things immediately:

• Asked him to disconnect the call
• Checked the e-Filing portal
• Verified there was no notice, no DIN, no proceeding

Case closed.
Scam exposed.
Money saved.

How YOU Can Protect Yourself and Others

• Never panic. Fraud feeds on fear.
• Never trust video calls claiming “official action.”
• Always check the e-filing portal first.
• Verify the DIN before responding to any notice.
• Speak to your CA before making any payment.

And most importantly:

Educate your parents, senior citizens, and non-tech-savvy family members.
They are the primary targets.

Scammers are evolving.
Fear is their weapon.
Knowledge is your defense.

Have you or someone you know received such a call?
Share your experience in comments.
Your story could save someone else.

#FraudAwareness #DigitalArrestScam #IncomeTax #FinancialSafety #CyberFraud #CAInsights