Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi spreads awareness about digital arrests, urges people to 'wait, think, take action'
Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned people against "digital arrest" frauds in his address at the 115th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday.
PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned people against "digital arrest" frauds in his address at the 115th edition of 'Mann Ki Baat' on Sunday.
The Prime Minister stated that multiple agencies are working together to address this growing issue and asked citizens to take the approach of 'wait, think, and take action' when confronted with such scams.
"Digital arrest" refers to a sort of cybercrime in which scammers act as law enforcement officers and threaten victims with arrest unless they pay a certain amount of money. Several instances of this fraud have recently been reported around the country.
"...There is no such thing as digital arrest in the law; it is just fraud, deception, and lying by a gang of criminals, and those who engage in this are enemies of civilisation. Various investigating agencies are working together with state governments to fight the fraud that is taking place under the guise of digital arrest," PM Modi said in his 'Mann ki Baat' broadcast.
He also showed a video of scammers posing as investigative agency officials to prey on people's fears. The Prime Minister continued, "Beware of Digital Arrest frauds. No investigative agency will ever contact you by phone or video call regarding such an investigation."
The Prime Minister also described a three-step process for dealing with cyber criminals who contact to threaten.
When receiving a call, initially say, 'Wait.' Don't panic; stay calm and avoid making hasty decisions. Never give your personal information to anyone. If possible, the PM advised taking a screenshot and recording the call.
Next, 'Think'—no government agency will threaten you over the phone, question you via video call, or demand money in this fashion. If you feel scared, know that something is wrong.
Finally, 'take action'. Call the National Cyber Helpline at 1930, report the event using the official portal, and notify your family and police. Keep any evidence secure, the Prime Minister advised.
He stated that a National Cyber "Coordination Centre" has been formed to facilitate collaboration among agencies investigating such criminal activities.