## Digital Arrest Scams Surge in India: PM Modi Warns of Growing Threat, Losses Exceed ₹120 Crore
India is grappling with a significant increase in digital arrest scams, a type of cybercrime where fraudsters manipulate victims into believing they are under arrest for illegal activities. These scams have resulted in substantial financial losses, with the government reporting over ₹120 crore lost during the first quarter of 2024 alone. The alarming rise of these scams has prompted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to issue a public warning, urging citizens to be vigilant against such fraudulent activities.
According to data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), India received a staggering 7.4 lakh complaints of digital arrest scams between January 1 and April 30, 2024. This represents a substantial increase from the previous year, when 15.56 lakh complaints were registered. The trend is even more alarming when considering that the number of complaints in 2022 reached 9.66 lakh, significantly higher than the 4.52 lakh complaints reported in 2021.
The Modus Operandi of Digital Arrest Scams
The modus operandi of digital arrest scams is relatively straightforward, yet highly effective in preying on victims’ vulnerabilities. The scam typically begins with a phone call where the fraudster informs the potential victim that they have sent or received a package containing illegal goods, such as drugs, fake passports, or other contraband. The criminals then contact the victim through video calls, posing as law enforcement officers, demanding money for a ‘compromise’ and ‘closure of the case.’
Victims are subjected to a virtual ‘digital arrest,’ often forced to remain visible on video calls while the fraudsters escalate their demands for money. Fearful of potential legal consequences, many victims end up sending the fraudsters whatever amount they demand to avoid ‘punishment.’
PM Modi’s Warning
Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the nation in the 115th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’, expressing his concern over the growing threat of digital arrest scams. He played an audio-video clip illustrating the tactics used by scammers, showcasing a man impersonating a police officer demanding a victim’s Aadhaar number to block a mobile number.
Modi emphasized the seriousness of the issue, stating that the audio-video clip was not for entertainment but served as a warning. He explained that the conversation depicted was a real example of digital arrest fraud, highlighting the tactics employed by scammers to exploit vulnerable individuals.
The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), which oversees the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), has identified a trend where many of these scams originate in three contiguous south-east Asian countries: Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. The I4C’s analysis of cybercrime trends from January to April revealed that 46 percent of reported cyber frauds, resulting in an estimated ₹1,776 crore in losses, originated from these countries.
Combating the Threat
The government is actively working to combat these digital arrest scams. The MHA has stepped up efforts to monitor cybercrime, collaborating with international law enforcement agencies to track and apprehend the perpetrators. However, the success of these efforts relies heavily on public awareness and vigilance.
It is crucial for individuals to be informed about these scams and to exercise caution when receiving calls or messages from unknown sources, particularly those alleging illegal activities or demanding money. If you encounter a suspected digital arrest scam, report it to the relevant authorities immediately. Never disclose your personal information or financial details to unknown individuals, and remember that genuine law enforcement officers will never ask for money over the phone or through video calls.
