PM’s advice on handling ‘digital arrest’ scams: Wait, think, take action
NEW DELHI, OCT 27 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday warned the public about cybercriminals deceiving people through ‘digital arrests’, stressing that multiple agencies are working together to combat this growing issue. Describing it as a significant concern, the Prime Minister urged citizens to follow the approach of ‘wait, think, and take action’ when confronted with such scams.
“Digital arrest” refers to a type of cybercrime where scammers pose as law enforcement officials, threatening arrest unless victims pay a specific sum of money. Numerous cases of this scam have recently been reported across the country.
“…There is no system like digital arrest in the law, this is just fraud, deceit, lie, a gang of criminals and those who are doing this are enemies of the society. Various investigative agencies are working in collaboration with the state governments to deal with the fraud that is going on in the name of digital arrest,” PM Modi said in his ‘Mann ki Baat’ broadcast.
He also played a representative video showing how scammers pose as probe agency officials to prey on people’s fear. The PM added, “Beware of Digital Arrest frauds. No investigative agency will ever contact you by phone or video call for such an investigation”.
The Prime Minister further explained a three-step method to deal with cyber fraudsters who call to threaten.
When one receives a call, first say ‘Wait.’ Don’t panic; remain calm and avoid making any hasty decisions. Never share your personal information with anyone. If possible, take a screenshot and record the call, the PM said.
Next, ‘Think’–no government agency threatens you over the phone, interrogates you via video call, or demands money in this manner. If you feel frightened, recognise that something is amiss.
Finally, ‘Take Action’. Call the National Cyber Helpline at 1930, report the incident at the official portal, and inform your family and the police. Be sure to keep any evidence secure, the Prime Minister advised.
He noted that a National Cyber ​​Coordination Centre has been established to create coordination among various agencies probing these types of scams.
-PTI
