'Digital Arrest' Scam: Indians Lost Rs 120 Crore To Online Fraudsters Between January-April 2024

In his recent Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi alerted the nation to the rising issue of digital arrest scams. He revealed that Indians lost an astonishing Rs 120.3 crore to digital arrest fraud in the first quarter of 2024.

Data from the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) showed around 7.4 lakh cybercrime complaints in Q1 2024, with 46% involving digital arrests, trading scams, task-based investment scams, and romance or dating scams.

An Indian Express report, quoting Rajesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), stated that victims lost a cumulative Rs 1,776 crore to these scams.

Of this, Rs 1,420.48 crore was lost to trading scams, Rs 222.58 crore to investment scams, and Rs 13.23 crore to romance or dating scams.

Scammers behind these schemes are reportedly operating out of Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.

PM's Three-Step Strategy to Avoid Digital Arrest Scams

During the 115th episode of Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi explained how these digital arrest scams are carried out. He emphasised that no government agency will threaten individuals over the phone or demand money.

He advised anyone receiving such a call to remain calm and not be intimidated. "No investigative agency conducts interrogations over the phone or video call. The three steps to digital security are: stop, think, and act," he said.

Elaborating, he added, "As soon as you get a call, stop... don't panic, stay calm, don't take any hasty steps, and don't share personal information with anyone; if possible, take a screenshot or record it."

He highlighted, "The first step is 'stop,' and the second step is 'think.' No government agency threatens you on the phone in this manner, nor does it make financial demands via video call."

The third step, according to PM Modi, is 'take action,' encouraging citizens to dial the national cyber helpline 1930 and report incidents on cybercrime.gov.in.

During the episode, he also shared a conversation between a victim and a scammer to illustrate the digital arrest fraud. "The fraudsters often impersonate police, CBI, narcotics, or even RBI officers, speaking with a lot of confidence as fake officials. Many listeners of Mann Ki Baat suggested we discuss this," he said.

Government Measures to Combat Scams

PM Modi noted that agencies have blocked thousands of fraudulent video-call IDs, as well as numerous SIM cards, mobile devices, and bank accounts associated with such scams.

He remarked, "Agencies are doing their job, but protecting against scams in the name of digital arrests relies on widespread awareness. Every citizen must be informed." He encouraged victims of cyber fraud to spread awareness using #SafeDigitalIndia.

He also urged schools and colleges to involve students in the campaign against cyber scams, stating, "We can tackle this challenge only with collective efforts across society."