Overview

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns the public about “digital arrest” scams during his radio programme Mann Ki Baat on October 27, 2024.
• The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) reports significant financial losses due to these scams, amounting to Rs 120.30 crore from January to April 2024.

What are Digital Arrest Scams?

• Definition: Scammers impersonate government officials to deceive victims.
• Methods:
  • Contact through phone or video calls (WhatsApp, Skype, etc.).
  • Accusations of involvement in illegal activities (e.g., drug trafficking, suspicious packages).
• Tactics:
  • Use of costumes and fake police station setups.
  • Pressure and intimidation to maintain control over the victim.
  • Demand for money as a means of “release” from digital custody.

Notable Case: S P Oswal

• Incident: Textile industry leader S P Oswal was scammed out of Rs 7 crore.
• Scam Details:
  • Oswal was kept under “digital custody” for two days via Skype by impersonators claiming to be CBI officials.
  • A fake Supreme Court hearing was conducted during which an individual impersonated Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud.

Signs of a Scam Call

• Common Indicators:
  • Discouragement from contacting real law enforcement.
  • Long call durations, which are atypical for legitimate cases.
  • Requests for personal information (Aadhar or PAN details).

PM Modi’s Advice for Staying Safe

1. Stay Calm: Do not panic; maintain composure during the call.
2. Record Evidence: If possible, take screenshots or record the conversation.
3. Verify Legitimacy: Remember that no government agency will threaten you online.
4. Take Action:
   • Call the national cyber helpline at 1930.
   • Report the incident to local police.

Government Measures Against Digital Arrest Scams

• I4C Initiatives:
  • Analyzed scam trends leading to reported financial losses.
  • Blocked over 1,000 Skype IDs associated with scams in collaboration with Microsoft.
  • Launched awareness campaigns to educate the public.
• Educational Outreach: PM Modi urges schools and colleges to help disseminate information on digital arrest scams.
• Formation of Inter-Ministerial Committee: Established to address the rise in transnational cyber crimes, particularly from Southeast Asia.

Conclusion

Digital arrest scams pose a significant threat to individuals, leading to substantial financial losses. Public awareness and vigilance, along with government actions, are essential to combat these fraudulent schemes.