Narendra Modi warns Indians against ‘digital arrest’ scam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned Indians against an emerging online scam known as “digital arrest”.

Some people were reportedly defrauded of millions of rupees by scammers who contacted their victims through video call, posing as police or tax officials and making false allegations against them.

The scammers order their victims to stay in one place (usually their home) under the false pretense of a “digital arrest,” urging them not to contact anyone.

Modi said there is no digital arrest in Indian law and no law enforcement agency will ever ask citizens for personal details over phone or video call.

“Fraudsters pose as police, Central Bureau of Investigation, drug peddlers and sometimes as central bank officials,” Modi said.

The scammers appear on screen in a studio that resembles a police station, tax office or federal investigative agency. They also wear official uniforms to appear legitimate and produce fake IDs.

Scammers typically claim that the victim sent a package containing illegal goods, such as drugs, or claim that their phone has been linked to illegal activity. The scam also reportedly involved fake videos and false arrest warrants.

More and more cases of so-called digital arrests are being reported.

In August, Bangalore Police several men were arrested after the victim was allegedly robbed of more than 20 million rupees ($237,000; £183,000), according to Indian media reports.

The scammers stated that the package addressed to the victim contained the drug MDMA and was seized by the police. In a WhatsApp call, they threatened him with legal action if he did not pay to resolve his alleged legal issues.

Actor Maala Parvathy, who works mainly in Malayalam films. also reported became the target of a scam this month.

Indian media reported that she said scammers showed her fake IDs, posing as Mumbai police officers, accused her of smuggling drugs to Taiwan and actually arrested her for questioning.

She said she realized it was a scam before any money was exchanged.

In his warning to the nation, Modi advised victims to follow three steps to stay safe.

“First, stay calm and don’t panic. If possible, record or screen record,” the prime minister said.

“Second, remember that no government agency will threaten you online.

“Thirdly, take action by calling the National Cyber ​​Helpline and also report the crime to the police.”