Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns the citizens against a new cyber-fraud called “digital arrest.” Modi recently addressed the issue, urging people to remain alert because some criminals have been impersonating law enforcement and tax officials to con millions of rupees from them.
Such criminals come through video calls to the victims and often appear authentic, sometimes with an official background or uniform. They declare that their victims are being accused of engaging in some kind of racket, like drug smuggling, or other forms of tax-evading activity, and they give out a kind of “digital arrest warrant,” instructing the victims not to move out or make any effort to contact others for days on end.
The threat will be so severe that the victims hardly have a chance to withstand the pressure to raise vast sums of money against such fake charges.
Digital arrest does not exist under Indian law
Modi clarified that digital arrest does not exist under Indian law, and no law enforcement would ask for personal details of anyone over a call, either by phone or video. He warned the people not to fall prey to their setup of fake ID proof, and deepfake videos in creating fear among the victims with digital arrest.
This highly advanced scamming method has come to the fore recently after a Bengaluru man lost over 20 million rupees (over $237,000) when fraudsters told him that a parcel connected to him carried banned drugs. They threatened him with severe legal consequences if he did not pay for the case to be cleared.
Indian actress Maala Parvathi, who had worked in Malayalam films, also said she had been targeted. They targeted her, posing as the Mumbai Police, this time accusing her of being a drug trafficker and trying to extort money from her. Luckily, she caught the trap before it was too late and she had parted with any amount of money.
Modi told citizens to take a three-step approach in case they are approached by such scammers.
Modi warns Indians against digital arrest: Here are the three tips
“First, remain calm and avoid panic. If possible, record the interaction,” he said. “Second, remember no legitimate agency will threaten you online. Third, report the incident by contacting the national cyber helpline and informing local police.”
The authorities are asking the public to be more vigilant of the rising cases. As Modi warns against digital arrest, it is a reminder to stay alert in this increasingly digital world, where cybercriminals are constantly developing new strategies to exploit people.