'MANN KI BAAT' - PM warns against 'digital arrest' scams, says no govt agency makes video call inquiries

Says awareness key in dealing with 'digital arrests’

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NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Modi cautioned the public about an emerging cyber threat during his latest 'Mann ki Baat' radio address. He highlighted how criminals are increasingly using "digital arrest" schemes to defraud people. He emphasised that legitimate investigative agencies never conduct inquiries through phone or video calls.

The PM advised citizens to follow a three-step approach when confronted with such scams: "stop, think and take action." While noting that investigation agencies are collaborating with state governments to combat this cybercrime, Modi emphasised that public awareness remains crucial for self-protection.

During his broadcast, he also shared a conversation between a victim and a fraudster to highlight the cyber crime of digital arrest.

"The fraudsters of digital arrest phone calls, at times, impersonate as police, CBI, Narcotics; at times RBI... using such various labels, they converse as fake officers with a lot of confidence. Many listeners of 'Mann Ki Baat' have wished that we must discuss that," he said.

"Let me tell you how these fraud gangs work. What is this dangerous game? It is very important for you to understand this," Modi said.

Explaining the modus operandi of such fraudsters, he said they collect personal information as their first move and then in their second move create an atmosphere of fear.

"You went to Goa last month, didn't you? Your daughter studies in Delhi, right? They collect so much information about you that you will be surprised. The second move - 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," Modi said.

He said the third move of such fraudsters is the pressure of time.