Modi raises ‘digital arrest’ scam in Mann ki Baat: ‘Lakhs of bank accounts blocked’, says PM

With several persons including celebrities falling prey to ‘digital arrest’ scam, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned the public to beware of such fraudsters and alert cyber crime police if they come across such calls. Modi raised the issue during his 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast on Sunday.

During his broadcast on Sunday, Modi played a conversation of a fraudster with a victim and said there is no such thing as “digital arrest”. Explaining the modus operandi of the fraudsters, Modi advised listeners to follow the mantra of 'Stop – Think – Take Action’. The prime minister said surprising the caller is their first move and scammers initially collect personal information of the individual.

“The Second move – create an atmosphere of fear... uniform, government office setup, legal sections... they will scare you so much on the phone... In the midst of the conversation, you will not be able to think. And then their third move begins, the third move - the time pressure. ‘You have to decide now or else you will be 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,” Modi said.

Warning listeners, Modi said no investigative agency will ever contact by phone or video call for such an investigation. “Dial the national cyber helpline 1930, Report on cybercrime.gov.in, inform family and police, preserve evidence,” the PM said. “Record such conversations and also take screenshots,” he added.

The PM said for synchronization among agencies probing cyber crimes, a National Cyber Co-ordination Centre has been set up. “Thousands of such fraudulent video calling IDs have been blocked by the agencies. Lakhs of SIM cards, mobile phones and bank accounts have also been blocked. Agencies are doing their job, but for protection from scams in the name of digital arrest, it is very important that everyone is aware, every citizen is aware,” he said. Modi advised youngsters to also engage in campaign against cyber scams.