Mann Ki Baat: PM Modi warns of ‘digital arrest,’ urges vigilance

In the 115th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the issue of “digital arrest,” categorizing it as a fraudulent activity and urging citizens to stay vigilant.

The Prime Minister described those perpetuating these scams as enemies of society, stating, “…There is no legal framework for digital arrest; it’s simply fraud, deceit, and a gang of criminals.” He informed listeners about the increasing incidents of techno-crime and emphasized that various investigative agencies are collaborating with state governments to tackle these fraudulent schemes.

To enhance coordination among these agencies, the National Cyber Coordination Centre has been established, aiming to bolster efforts against cybercrime and protect citizens from scams. “This initiative reaffirms the government’s commitment to ensuring public safety in the digital realm,” he added.

PM Modi warned, “Beware of Digital Arrest frauds… No investigative agency will ever contact you via phone or video call for inquiries.” He explained how fraudsters often impersonate police, CBI, or RBI officials, using a façade of authority to manipulate victims. He highlighted the importance of understanding the tactics employed by these criminal gangs.

During his talk, PM Modi showcased a video to illustrate the severity of the issue. He detailed their modus operandi, stating, “The first move is collecting personal information. They know details about your life that can astonish you.” He continued, “The second move creates an atmosphere of fear, often presenting a uniformed setup to intimidate victims. The third move involves time pressure, leading victims to make hasty decisions.”

The Prime Minister shared a three-step approach to enhance digital security: “Stop – Think – Take Action.” He urged listeners to remain calm and avoid sharing personal information when receiving suspicious calls. He encouraged them to take screenshots or record the calls as evidence.

He elaborated: “First, stop and don’t panic. Second, think—government agencies do not threaten you over the phone. If you feel frightened, something is amiss. Third, take action—report the incident.” He recommended using the national cyber helpline 1930 or visiting cybercrime.gov.in to report fraud.

PM Modi mentioned that agencies have blocked thousands of fraudulent video-calling IDs, along with numerous SIM cards, mobile phones, and bank accounts. “While agencies are doing their part, public awareness is crucial in preventing scams related to digital arrest,” he said.

He encouraged victims to spread awareness about such cyber frauds using the hashtag #SafeDigitalIndia and urged schools and colleges to involve students in the campaign against cyber scams. “We can tackle this challenge only through collective societal efforts,” he concluded.