Why is it in the news?

• During the October 27 episode of his radio program Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the increasing prevalence of “digital arrest” scams, urging the public to remain vigilant.
• He clarified that there is no legal basis for digital arrests, emphasizing, “No government agency will ever contact you via phone or video call for such an investigation.”

About Digital Arrest Scams

• Digital arrest scams occur when fraudsters impersonate government officials through phone or video calls on platforms like WhatsApp and Skype. Victims are frequently falsely accused of involvement in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking or handling suspicious packages.
• To make their schemes more convincing, scammers create environments resembling police stations, complete with fake badges and costumes. They use intimidation tactics, falsely claiming to place victims under “digital arrests,” and pressure them not to hang up or leave their homes.
• After prolonged conversations, scammers typically demand payments, suggesting that money is necessary for the victim’s “release” or to stop the proceedings.

How to Stay Safe from Digital Arrest Scam Calls

• Scammers often exploit victims’ ignorance of the law, creating high-pressure situations that leave them feeling vulnerable. As pointed out, these fraudsters impersonate officials from various agencies, including the police, CBI, narcotics, and RBI, engaging with confidence.
• Wealthy individuals are also at risk; for instance, S.P. Oswal, chairman-cum-managing director of Vardhman Group, reported being tricked into transferring ₹7 crore to scammers posing as CBI agents.
• Oswal recounted being placed under “digital surveillance” for two days via Skype, during which the fraudsters conducted a fake Supreme Court hearing, impersonating Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud.
• There are several signs to identify potential scammers, such as discouraging victims from resolving legal issues at a real police station, unusually long call durations, and requests for sensitive information like Aadhar or PAN details.
• PM Modi recommended the public take three safety steps: first, stay calm and avoid panic; second, record or take screenshots if possible; and third, remember that no government agency would threaten you online. He urged individuals to contact the national cyber helpline at 1930 and report such incidents to the police.

Government Response to Digital Arrest Scams

• To combat these scams, the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) was established under the Ministry of Home Affairs to tackle the rise in cybercrime cases.
• An analysis by the I4C indicated that between January and April 2024, Indians lost ₹120.30 crore due to digital arrest scams. The I4C has blocked over 1,000 Skype IDs linked to fraudulent activities in collaboration with Microsoft and launched awareness campaigns.
• PM Modi also called on educational institutions to help disseminate information about these scams.
• In May, the government formed an inter-ministerial committee involving various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to address the surge in transnational organized cybercrimes targeting Indians from Southeast Asian countries, including Cambodia.
• Individuals who receive such scam calls are encouraged to report them through the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or on the official website at gov.in. They should also file a complaint and notify local law enforcement.