India, Aug. 18 -- Until recently, most people had never heard the phrase "digital arrest." Today, it has entered everyday conversations, family WhatsApp groups and news headlines. The name itself sounds official, which is probably why it has become so effective.

The reality, however, is much simpler. There is no legal procedure in India called a digital arrest. The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has repeatedly clarified that no police agency, investigative authority or regulator conducts arrests over video calls or asks citizens to transfer money as part of an investigation.

Yet despite repeated advisories, fraudsters continue to exploit the fear associated with criminal investigations. They are not hacking phones or breaking into bank ...