Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns Indian citizens of ‘digital arrest’. What is it?

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday (October 27), highlighted the ‘digital arrest’ and warned citizens about scams. Shockingly, Indians lost over Rs 120.3 crore to digital arrest scams in the first quarter of 2024.

According to the National Cyber ​​Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), about 0.74 million complaints were received from January 1 to April 30, 2024, of which 46 percent included trade fraud, investment fraud and digital arrests.

Fraudsters call victims via video and pretend to be government officials. They use pressure tactics, such as accusing the victim of being involved in illegal activities and asking them to remain under “digital arrest.” They make sure their fake identities appear real and ask victims not to stop calling or leave their homes.

During his recent episode of Mann Ki Baat, the Prime Minister mentioned that no official will investigate and demand money or fine over the phone. He also told people that there is no such punishment as digital arrest in the Indian legal system.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also explained the three-step strategy to protect against digital arrest. He said: “Keep in mind that no investigative agency conducts such interviews over telephone or video call. Three steps to digital security: stop, think and act.”

Modi said the first step when you get a call is to “stop” and the second is to “think.” He stressed that no official agency such as the police will threaten or demand money over video calls.

The third step is to take the necessary steps. He urged victims to call 1930, the national cyber helpline, and also report these incidents on the official website cybercrime.gov.in.

Highlighting the digital arrest during this episode, he said that scammers often impersonate CBI, Narcotics Branch, RBI or Police and talk like fake officers. He also said that the listeners of Mann Ki Baat have shown interest in discussing the issue.

“People of all classes and age groups are becoming victims of digital arrest. People have lost millions of rupees earned through their hard work due to pure fear. Whenever you receive a call like this, don’t be alarmed. You should know that no investigative agency will ever make such a request through a phone call or video call,” PM Modi said.

During the episode, PM Modi also said that the agencies had blocked thousands of video call IDs, over a million SIM cards, mobile phones and bank accounts.

He said that agencies are trying hard to protect people from cyber scams, but to protect themselves from these scams, every citizen must be aware of them. He also asked victims of digital snaring or other cyber scams to share them with as many people as possible to raise awareness about these scams.

(With participation of agencies)