NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke on Sunday about the growing menace of " digital arrest ," a type of cyber fraud that has trapped a lot of people in recent months.
Addressing the nation during his monthly radio programme ' Mann Ki Baat ', PM Modi suggested steps to tackle the attempts being made by fraudsters to "digitally arrest" a victim.
PM Modi shared a three-step guide to prevent 'digital arrest'.
"Today, the victims of digital arrest include people from every class and every age. Let me tell you three steps of digital security. These three steps are - 'Wait-Think-Take Action'," PM Modi said.
Explaining the first step he said: "As soon as you receive the call, say 'wait', don't panic, stay calm, don't take any hasty steps, don't give your personal information to anyone, if possible take a screenshot and make a recording."
"The second step is to 'think' - No government agency threatens over the phone like this, nor does it interrogate over a video call, nor does it demand money like this. If you feel scared, then understand that something is wrong," he added.
In the third and final step, the PM said: "'Take action'. Dial National Cyber Helpline 1930, report to http://cybercrime.gov.in , inform family and police, preserve evidence."
What is the 'digital arrest' scam?
The "digital arrest" scam involves fraudsters who pose as officials from various organisations, including government agencies and law enforcement, to intimidate and defraud individuals.
The scam typically begins with a video call where the scammers falsely accuse the victim of involvement in illegal activities. These accusations are designed to create panic and compel the victim to comply with financial demands.
Common tactics used by scammers
False accusations: Scammers claim that the victim is implicated in criminal activities such as drug trafficking or possession of illegal items.
Fabricated emergencies: Victims may be told that a loved one is in trouble, such as being in custody or involved in an accident.
Demand for money: To resolve the fabricated issues, victims are asked to transfer money immediately.
Addressing the nation during his monthly radio programme ' Mann Ki Baat ', PM Modi suggested steps to tackle the attempts being made by fraudsters to "digitally arrest" a victim.
PM Modi shared a three-step guide to prevent 'digital arrest'.
"Today, the victims of digital arrest include people from every class and every age. Let me tell you three steps of digital security. These three steps are - 'Wait-Think-Take Action'," PM Modi said.
Explaining the first step he said: "As soon as you receive the call, say 'wait', don't panic, stay calm, don't take any hasty steps, don't give your personal information to anyone, if possible take a screenshot and make a recording."
"The second step is to 'think' - No government agency threatens over the phone like this, nor does it interrogate over a video call, nor does it demand money like this. If you feel scared, then understand that something is wrong," he added.
In the third and final step, the PM said: "'Take action'. Dial National Cyber Helpline 1930, report to http://cybercrime.gov.in , inform family and police, preserve evidence."
What is the 'digital arrest' scam?
The "digital arrest" scam involves fraudsters who pose as officials from various organisations, including government agencies and law enforcement, to intimidate and defraud individuals.
The scam typically begins with a video call where the scammers falsely accuse the victim of involvement in illegal activities. These accusations are designed to create panic and compel the victim to comply with financial demands.
Common tactics used by scammers
False accusations: Scammers claim that the victim is implicated in criminal activities such as drug trafficking or possession of illegal items.
Fabricated emergencies: Victims may be told that a loved one is in trouble, such as being in custody or involved in an accident.
Demand for money: To resolve the fabricated issues, victims are asked to transfer money immediately.
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