PM Modi Warns Against ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam: How to Protect Yourself

In his 115th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ on Sunday, October 27, Prime Minister Narendra Modi sounded the alarm on a dangerous new cybercrime scheme, ‘Digital Arrest’. This insidious tactic preys on people’s fear and vulnerability, leveraging the perceived authority of law enforcement to extract money and personal information.

Using an audio-video clip as an example, PM Modi demonstrated how these criminals operate. The clip showcased a con artist in a fake police uniform demanding a victim’s Aadhar number to block a mobile number. The Prime Minister stressed that this wasn’t just a ‘for-information’ or entertainment piece, but a stark reminder of the growing threat of ‘Digital Arrest’ scams.

PM Modi detailed the three-pronged strategy used by these fraudsters:

1.

Information Gathering:

The first step involves meticulously collecting personal information about the victim. The fraudsters might use tactics like:
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Spouting details about your life:

They’ll use seemingly random information to establish credibility, such as ‘You went to Goa last month, right?’ or ‘Your daughter studies in Delhi, doesn’t she?’ This is designed to convince you they know you, making the scam more believable.

2.

Creating Fear:

The second step is to induce fear and panic. The criminals might:
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Impersonate Officials:

They may claim to be officers from the police, CBI, Narcotics Bureau, or even RBI. They’ll often adopt official-sounding language and titles to appear legitimate.
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Use Threats:

They’ll threaten immediate arrest or legal repercussions if you don’t comply with their demands.

3.

Applying Pressure:

The third and final step involves applying immense pressure to force victims into making a hasty decision. They will:
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Create a Sense of Urgency:

They’ll say you need to act immediately or face severe consequences.
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Psychological Manipulation:

They use manipulative language and threats to make you believe you are in real danger.

To combat this menace, PM Modi emphasized the crucial ‘Stop, Think, Take Action’ mantra for digital security:

1.

STOP:

As soon as you receive a suspicious call, stop, don’t panic, and stay calm. Resist the urge to provide any personal information. If possible, take a screenshot and record the call as evidence.

2.

THINK:

No legitimate government agency will threaten you over the phone or demand money through a video call. If you feel intimidated, remember that something is wrong.

3.

TAKE ACTION:

Immediately dial the national cyber helpline 1930, report the incident on cybercrime.gov.in, inform your family and local police, and preserve any evidence.

PM Modi stressed that ‘Digital Arrest’ scams are a serious issue, and the public needs to be aware of this dangerous trend. He emphasized that there is no legal system in place for ‘digital arrest’, and these scams are solely designed to extort money and personal information. He urged citizens to remain vigilant, to educate themselves about this scam, and to follow the three-step ‘Stop, Think, Take Action’ strategy to safeguard themselves against this growing cybercrime threat.

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