New Delhi: In his latest Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned citizens about a rising fraud scheme known as “digital arrest,” in which scammers impersonate government officials to extort money. Emphasizing that no legitimate government agency demands money over phone calls, Modi urged the public to stay alert to these fraudulent tactics.Understanding the digital arrest scamExplaining the scams methodology, Modi outlined how perpetrators initially pose as officials from agencies like the police, CBI, RBI, or narcotics control. “The first step is gathering personal information. Next, they create an atmosphere of fear, and finally, they apply time pressure to prevent you from thinking clearly,” Modi stated. According to him, this tactic has cost numerous victims significant amounts, spanning all demographics.Steps for safety and preventionTo safeguard against these threats, Modi advised following three steps: “Stop, think, and take action.” He further suggested taking screenshots and recording conversations if confronted by a suspicious caller. Modi reassured listeners, stating, “No government agencies give such threats over the phone, nor do they demand money.” He recommended reporting such incidents by dialing the national cyber helpline at 1930 or contacting the police.Real-life case of digital arrest fraudHighlighting the scale of this issue, Modi referenced a recent case where SP Oswal, chairman of the Vardhman Group, was scammed into transferring ₹7 crore. The fraudsters posed as CBI officials, put him “under digital surveillance” via Skype, and conducted a fake Supreme Court hearing involving impersonations of prominent figures to pressure him into compliance. Indias rising digital fraud calls for collective vigilance. With increased awareness and caution, citizens can protect themselves from the looming threat of “digital arrest” scams.
