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Prime Minister Narendra Modi has issued a strong warning against a growing trend of cybercrime in India, specifically targeting what he calls 'digital arrests'. During his 'Mann Ki Baat' address on October 27th, 2024, Modi declared that the concept of digital arrests is entirely fabricated, a form of deceit and fraud perpetrated by criminals who exploit the vulnerabilities of the public. This warning comes as reports of individuals being targeted by scammers impersonating law enforcement officials, such as police, CBI, RBI, or narcotics agents, have been increasing.
Modi outlined the modus operandi of these scammers, emphasizing the three key steps they employ to gain control and extort money from their victims. The first step involves the collection of personal information. These criminals use various methods, such as phishing emails, social media scams, or phone calls, to gather sensitive data about their target. Once they have a sufficient amount of personal information, the second step involves creating an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. The scammers use aggressive tactics, often employing fake legal jargon and threats of arrest or prosecution, to instill panic and disorientation in their victims. This leaves the victims feeling helpless and vulnerable, making them more susceptible to manipulation.
The third and final step involves applying time pressure, creating a sense of urgency that compels victims to act impulsively and without careful consideration. The scammers often claim that the situation is urgent, requiring immediate action, and may even demand money to be transferred immediately. These scammers prey on the fear of the unknown and the victims' desperation to avoid potential legal repercussions. The Prime Minister stressed that victims of digital arrest scams come from all walks of life and age groups, and many have lost substantial amounts of their hard-earned money to these criminals. He further highlighted that no legitimate government agency would conduct official investigations or demand money over phone or video calls, emphasizing that these scams are a criminal enterprise exploiting the fear and trust of innocent citizens.