Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the issue of Digital Arrest Fraud during his recent address of Mann Ki Baat. He emphasizes  the urgent need for awareness and action against such cybercrimes.

The National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) detailed 7.4 lakh complaints from January 1 to April 30, 2023. A total of 15.56 lakh complaints of Digital Arrest Fraud logged throughout the year.

 Digital Arrest

scammers pretend to be government officials. They pretend to be police, CBI, narcotics and at times RBI officials.

They approach potential victims through phone or video calls through WhatsApp etc. They trap the  victim by  alleging thet he is  part of an illegal activity, such as the movement of drugs or a suspicious package.

 scammers convince victims of  their fake identities seem real through  costumes depicting police stations and official badges. Swindler use pressure tactics, intimidation and fake documents to put the victims under so-called digital arrests. They demand that victims  do not end the call or attempt to even leave their homes.

WAY OUT

 Call 1930 to connect with the national cyber helpline and inform police about such a crime.