Prime Minister Narendra Modi has warned against an emerging cybercrime trend in India – scams involving “digital arrest”. The Prime Minister warned citizens about fraudsters posing as law enforcement or government officials, targeting people through phone and video calls to extort money. He urged people to remain vigilant and said the “digital arrests” were fake and advised citizens to follow the “stop, think and act” approach.

The Prime Minister during the 115th episode of Mann Ki Baat on October 27 said that those involved in the crime are enemies of society. “…There is no such system as digital arrest in law, this is only fraud, cheating, lying, a gang of criminals and those who do this are enemies of society…” he said.

What is a digital arrest scam?

In a digital arrest scam, cybercriminals contact a target pretending to be government officials from law enforcement agencies such as the CBI, Narcotics Control Bureau or customs officers. Using a combination of audio and video calls via platforms such as WhatsApp or Skype, they intimidate victims by accusing them of being involved in illegal activities – transporting drugs or smuggling contraband, allegedly detected through suspicious packages, money laundering investigations or the use misuse of personal information such as Aadhaar details.

The goal of scammers? To convince the victim that they are in a “digital arrest” or an online arrest and must follow strict instructions. Victims are often told to stay on video calls and stay at home, isolated from family and friends. Criminals create an elaborate ruse, using props such as uniforms, government office backgrounds and deepfake videos to convince victims of their authority.

Fraudsters pretend to be high-ranking officials, citing bogus investigations and making fear-mongering accusations. Impersonators often threaten consequences such as jail time, making victims feel helpless. They use a sense of urgency to make victims act impulsively. Victims are usually asked to isolate themselves and in some cases show a 360-degree view of the room they are in while remaining under video surveillance until an alleged “investigation” is concluded, making the victim feel caught.

Scammers can also use fake arrest warrants or court orders to boost their legitimacy, even holding mock court hearings online to further validate their threats.

According to the national cyber crime reporting portal, India has seen a massive increase in digital arrest scams in 2024. In the first quarter alone, Indians lost Rs 120.3 crore to digital fraud, a significant portion of which was fraud. digital arrests. In a recent incident, Vardhman Group chairman SP Oswal lost Rs 7 crore after he was ‘digitally arrested’ by fraudsters who kept him under Skype surveillance for two days. They went so far as to impersonate the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, conducting a fake hearing to extort money.

Similarly, a techie from Hyderabad suffered a 30-hour ordeal on October 27, during which cybercriminals forced him to stay at a lodge on false charges of money laundering linked to his Aadhaar. He eventually escaped after his video call stopped and sought help from cybercrime authorities.

Digital arrest scams are particularly effective because of their psychological manipulation. By creating a scenario that appears urgent and serious, scammers exploit fear, authority and isolation tactics, making victims believe they have no choice but to comply. “Stop, then think and then act, these three steps will become the protector of your digital security,” said the Prime Minister.

“As soon as you get a call, stop… don’t panic, stay calm, don’t take any hasty action, don’t give your personal information to anyone; if possible take a screenshot and save it for sure. After that comes the second step, and the second was “think”. scared, then you know something is wrong. First step, second step and now I said third step. and the third step tells you – “Act”.

He also mentioned National Cyber ​​Helpline 1930, or to report on cybercrime.gov.in, or to inform family and police and preserve evidence.

To combat digital arrest scams, Modi said India’s cybercrime and investigative agencies are working with state governments to tackle the problem. The establishment of the National Cyber ​​Coordination Center is part of a broader “whole of government” strategy to improve cooperation between agencies.