Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation during the 115th episode of his “Mann Ki Baat” broadcast, alerted citizens to a rising scam known as “digital arrest.” He clarified, “No government agency threatens individuals over the phone or demands money.” He elaborated on the scam’s methods, explaining, “Under digital arrest fraud, callers pose as officials from the police, CBI, RBI, or narcotics departments, speaking with great confidence.” He emphasized that these scammers first gather personal information, then create an intense atmosphere of fear, saying, “The first step involves collecting your personal information. Step two is creating an atmosphere of fear, instilling so much anxiety that you can’t think clearly.” Victims are often pressured with urgency in the third step, where scammers say, “Step three is applying time pressure.”
Modi emphasised the scam’s impact across all demographics, remarking that “victims of digital arrest come from all backgrounds and ages,” with many people losing large amounts of “their hard-earned money.” His message to those facing these calls was clear: “If you ever receive such a call, don’t be afraid.” He reiterated, “Be aware that no investigative agency conducts such interrogations over the phone or video call.” His advice to stay safe includes three essential actions: “The three steps to digital security are: stop, think, and act.”
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Prime Minister Modi also shared that investigative agencies, in collaboration with state governments, are actively working to combat this scam, adding, “There is no legal system called digital arrest; it’s purely fraud, deceit, a criminal enterprise by those who are enemies of society.” He further noted the role of the National Cyber Coordination Centre, established to synchronize efforts against such fraud, saying, “The National Cyber Coordination Centre has been established to foster coordination among these agencies.” He also called on schools and colleges to educate students on cyber scam awareness, believing that “we can only fight this challenge through collective efforts in society”.