PM Modi Alerts Nation on 'Digital Arrest' Fraud in Mann Ki Baat

PM Modi cautioned against the 'digital arrest' fraud, where scammers impersonate officials, creating fear and urgency to extract money. Speaking in Mann Ki Baat, he advised reporting such calls to the cyber helpline (1930) and recording evidence. Modi highlighted that real agencies never threaten or demand payments over the phone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the nation during the 115th episode of his radio show Mann Ki Baat, raised concerns about a growing cyber-fraud technique known as 'digital arrest.' Modi explained that these scammers impersonate officials from law enforcement agencies like the CBI, RBI, or narcotics units, tricking victims into believing they are under investigation.

According to PM Modi, the scammers rely on three main tactics to deceive their victims: information gathering, creating fear, and time pressure. First, they collect personal information about the individual to make their claims seem credible. They then intimidate the victim by creating a sense of urgency, convincing them that immediate action is necessary, often demanding large sums of money to avoid supposed "arrest" or legal consequences. “This fraud impacts individuals across all ages and backgrounds,” Modi said, adding that people have lost substantial savings to such schemes.

Emphasizing that legitimate government bodies would never make demands over the phone, Modi advised listeners to stay vigilant. He encouraged the public to follow three steps when approached by suspicious calls: stop, think, and act cautiously. Modi recommended documenting the incident by recording the conversation and reporting it to the authorities. He reminded citizens of the national cyber helpline (1930), established to assist in such cases and prevent cybercrime.

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The Prime Minister's warning comes amid reports of high-profile frauds, including a recent case where business magnate SP Oswal was duped out of ₹7 crore. The incident has spotlighted the increasing sophistication of cybercrimes in India and the urgent need for public awareness and vigilance.