Digital arrest in the cyber age: a psychological perspective on fear, authority, and consciousness

Digital arrest is an emerging form of cyber deception wherein cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement or other authorities to falsely claim legal authority to arrest individuals through digital means, often via phone calls or online communication channels. As digital technology increasingly permeates daily life, such deceptive tactics pose serious threats to individuals' security and psychological well-being. This paper proposes a conceptual framework for understanding the phenomenon of “digital arrest”, differentiating it from other cybercrimes like phishing, vishing, and social engineering. The paper examines the psychological mechanisms underlying such scams, including the exploitation of fear, authority, and urgency, as well as the social implications of digital deception. Ultimately, the paper highlights the necessity for future research to empirically assess and evaluate the effectiveness of preventive measures and strategies aimed at reducing victimization. This conceptual paper aims to raise awareness of digital arrest as a distinct form of cyber threat and contribute to the growing body of literature on digital scams and their psychological consequences.