New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday cautioned people against “digital arrest” frauds in the 115th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast.
He urged people to adopt the mantra of “stop, think and take action” when faced with such a scam. “I will reiterate that there is no system like digital arrest in the law, this is just a fraud, deceit, it is a lie, a gang of criminals and those who are doing this are enemies of society. To deal with the fraud that is going on in the name of digital arrest, all the investigative agencies are working together with the state governments,” he said.
The Modus Operandi
The fraudsters of Digital Arrest makes calls impersonating police, CBI, Narcotics, at times RBI.
They collect personal informations. “You went to Goa last month, didn’t you? Your daughter studies in Delhi, right”?
Create an atmosphere of fear. “Uniform, government office set-up , legal sections… they will scare you so much on the phone… In the midst of the conversation you will not be able to even think.”
This is followed by time pressure – decide now or else get arrested.
“These people create so much of psychological pressure on the victim that one gets scared. People from every class and age group fall victim to Digital Arrest. People have lost lakhs of rupees earned through their hard work, out of sheer fear,” the PM said.
Stop, Think & Take Action
First, stay calm and do not panic, don’t take any hasty steps, don’t give away your personal information. Record or take a screen recording if possible. “You should be aware that no investigative agency never inquires like this through a phone call or a video call.”
Second, remember that no government agency will threaten you online, neither inquires nor demands money on a video call.
Third, take action by dialling on 1930 to connect with the national cyber helpline and also inform police about such a crime. Report on cybercrime.gov.in, inform family and police, preserve evidence.