Indian PM Modi Warns Against ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams: Protect Yourself with These Steps

Feature and Cover Indian PM Modi Warns Against 'Digital Arrest' Scams Protect Yourself with These Steps

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently addressed the alarming rise of a sophisticated online scam referred to as “digital arrest,” cautioning citizens to stay vigilant. The scam has already cost unsuspecting victims millions of rupees, as fraudsters pose as police or tax officials and use elaborate tactics to convince their targets of false legal charges, often presented over video calls. This scam typically starts with the scammers introducing themselves as law enforcement officials, and they claim to have incriminating evidence against their victims, compelling them to cooperate by staying at home under a so-called “digital arrest.”

Modi clarified that there is no such concept as “digital arrest” in Indian law, stressing that no legitimate law enforcement or government agency would request sensitive personal information via phone or video calls. “The fraudsters impersonate police, Central Bureau of Investigation, narcotics, and at times central bank officials,” Modi explained, shedding light on the wide range of authority figures these scammers pretend to be.

These scammers go to great lengths to appear authentic. They typically operate from setups designed to mimic police stations, tax offices, or investigative agencies. This includes a backdrop that resembles official offices and uniforms that add an aura of legitimacy to their deception. In some cases, they even produce convincing but entirely fake ID cards. Through these means, the scammers successfully gain the trust of their victims by appearing as genuine officers or officials.

In typical scam scenarios, the victim is accused of serious offenses, often involving claims about illegal goods or illicit activity. Scammers might allege that the victim’s phone number has been linked to illegal activities, or that a package in their name contains illegal drugs. As part of their tactics, they may also employ deepfake technology to create fake videos or show fabricated arrest warrants, which appear convincing enough to unsettle victims into compliance.

Instances of this scam are becoming increasingly common. One recent case in August involved police in Bengaluru apprehending multiple individuals after a victim lost more than 20 million rupees (approximately $237,000 or £183,000) to this fraud. The victim was manipulated over a WhatsApp call where scammers claimed that a parcel addressed to him contained the banned substance MDMA. They demanded payment, threatening him with legal consequences if he failed to comply.

The fraudulent activities have reached notable figures as well. Maala Parvathi, a prominent actor in Malayalam-language cinema, recounted her experience of nearly falling victim to the scam. She disclosed to the media that scammers approached her with what appeared to be legitimate ID cards, identifying themselves as officers from the Mumbai Police. In a series of startling accusations, they alleged that she was involved in smuggling drugs to Taiwan and proceeded to place her under a “digital arrest” for further questioning. However, Parvathi was quick to recognize the ruse before any money exchanged hands.

Prime Minister Modi’s nationwide warning included a set of three essential steps to safeguard oneself against such scams. “First, stay calm and do not panic. Record or take a screen recording if possible,” Modi advised, highlighting the importance of maintaining composure when faced with threats from these fraudsters. “Second, remember that no government agency will threaten you online,” he emphasized, clarifying that genuine law enforcement procedures are not carried out through digital intimidation.

Lastly, Modi urged victims to report such incidents promptly. “Take action by calling the national cyber helpline and also inform police about the crime,” he said, underscoring the need for individuals to seek help from official channels. By following these steps, citizens can reduce their risk of falling prey to this scam, which continues to target individuals across various social and financial strata.

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