NHRC Calls for Stronger Safeguards Against Digital Arrest Scams, Highlights Human Rights Concerns

June 9, 2026 : The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday convened an Open House Discussion on “Safeguarding Human Rights Against Digital Arrest Scams” in New Delhi, bringing together government officials, law enforcement agencies, financial regulators, telecom representatives, cyber experts and legal professionals to address the growing threat posed by cyber-enabled frauds.

Chairing the discussion, NHRC Chairperson Justice V. Ramasubramanian described digital arrest scams as a serious challenge affecting the rights, dignity and security of citizens. He noted that cyber-enabled frauds have caused losses of nearly Rs 52,976 crore in India over the past six years, with digital arrest scams accounting for around eight percent of the total losses. The figures were reportedly compiled by the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) based on data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Justice Ramasubramanian observed that fraudsters often exploit the fear of law enforcement agencies by impersonating officials and coercing victims into transferring money. He said victims frequently face prolonged, costly and distressing legal procedures while attempting to recover their funds, adding that the recovery process can sometimes be more painful than the initial financial loss. He also expressed concern over the large number of mule accounts used to channel fraudulently obtained money and called for stronger mechanisms to protect victims and restore their financial security.

NHRC Member Justice (Dr.) Bidyut Ranjan Sarangi said existing systems contain gaps that limit effective responses to digital fraud, while Member Vijaya Bharathi Sayani stressed that protecting citizens from cybercrime and financial fraud is an essential responsibility of good governance.

Opening the discussion, NHRC Secretary General Bharat Lal highlighted the disproportionate impact of cyber fraud on elderly citizens, including retired government officials, professionals, industrialists and bankers. He said such crimes not only result in financial losses but also undermine victims’ dignity, self-respect and psychological well-being. Referring to information submitted before the Supreme Court, he noted that more than 3,000 fraud cases targeting senior citizens were reported last year.

The discussions focused on identifying factors driving the rise in digital arrest scams, developing preventive measures and strengthening grievance redressal, compensation and victim-support systems. Representatives from the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), telecom operators and banking associations shared their perspectives on tackling the growing menace.

Ajit Kumar, Joint Secretary at MeitY, informed participants that an inter-departmental committee is examining measures ranging from prevention to compensation. He also revealed that a portal is being developed under Section 47 of the Information Technology Act to facilitate adjudication and compensation in cyber fraud cases.

Roopa M., Inspector General of Police at I4C, highlighted the role of the cybercrime.gov.in portal, helpline 1930 and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (CFCFRMS) in tracing and restoring stolen funds. Other experts stressed the need for stricter action against misuse of government logos, SIM boxes and mule accounts, as well as stronger protections against emerging threats involving artificial intelligence and deepfakes.

Participants proposed a range of reforms, including recognising digital arrest scams as a distinct criminal offence, criminalising the renting of mule accounts and misuse of government symbols, introducing automated safeguards such as transaction “circuit breakers” and trusted-person authentication mechanisms, and simplifying victim compensation and fund recovery procedures.

Several speakers also advocated the creation of a unified government verification platform that would allow citizens to verify the authenticity of law enforcement notices, summons and communications. Stronger regulation of OTT communication platforms, enhanced international cooperation against transnational cybercrime networks and greater accountability across the banking, telecom and digital services ecosystem were also discussed.

The NHRC said the suggestions emerging from the deliberations would be examined further before final recommendations are submitted to the Union and State Governments. The Commission emphasised that protecting citizens from digital arrest scams requires coordinated action involving government agencies, financial institutions, telecom providers, technology platforms and civil society to ensure that victims’ rights, dignity and security are effectively safeguarded.