‘No agency will contact you by phone’: PM
New Delhi, Oct 27:
Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned the nation on Sunday about the ‘digital arrest’ scam, clarifying that no government agency threatens individuals over the phone or demands money.
In his address during the 115th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat,’ Prime Minister Modi detailed the modus operandi of the ‘digital arrest’ scam.
“Under digital arrest fraud, callers pose as officials from the police, CBI, RBI, or narcotics departments, speaking with great confidence. People asked me to address this in Mann Ki Baat, as everyone needs to understand. The first step involves collecting your personal information. Step two is creating an atmosphere of fear, instilling so much anxiety that you can’t think clearly. Step three is applying time pressure… Victims of digital arrest come from all backgrounds and ages. Many have lost substantial sums of their hard-earned money. If you ever receive such a call, don’t be afraid. Be aware that no investigative agency conducts such interrogations over the phone or video call. The three steps to digital security are: stop, think, and act. If possible, take a screenshot or record the call. No government agency issues threats over the phone or demands money,” PM Modi said in his Mann Ki Baat address.
He further stated that investigative agencies are working in partnership with state governments to combat the scam being carried out in the name of digital arrest.
“There is no legal system called digital arrest; it’s purely fraud, deceit, a criminal enterprise by those who are enemies of society. Various investigative agencies, in collaboration with state governments, are actively working to address this scam. The National Cyber Coordination Centre has been established to foster coordination among these agencies,” he said.
PM Modi also encouraged schools and colleges to engage students in the campaign against cyber scams. “We can only fight this challenge through collective efforts in society,” he added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke about the cyber crime of “digital arrests,” noting that it has hit all sections of society and urging people to adopt the mantra of “stop, think, and take action” when faced with such a scam.
In his ‘Mann ki Baat’ broadcast, Modi said probe agencies are working with states to deal with the issue but added that awareness is essential in protecting oneself from this crime.
The prime minister played a representative video to show how such criminals pose as probe agency officials to prey on people’s fear after gathering detailed information about their potential victims.
He said, “Beware of Digital Arrest frauds. No investigative agency will ever contact you by phone or video call for such an investigation.”
Modi asked people to dial 1930 to connect with the national cyber helpline or connect with its portal and also inform police about such a crime.
They should record such conversations and also take screenshots, he said, touching on the crime, which has been frequently reported.
In his broadcast, the prime minister also lauded increasing impact Indian talents have been making in the world of animation.
He said a wave of creative energy is sweeping India.
‘Made in India’ and ‘Made by India’ are shining brightly in the world of animation, he added.
The prime minister said Indian animation characters like Chhota Bheem, Krishna and Motu Patlu have become widely popular.
Indian content and creativity are being liked across the globe, he added.
India is on way to creating revolution in animation, and Indian games are also getting popular, Modi said.
The effort for an ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ is also making strides in every sector, he said, noting that the country is exporting its defence products to over 85 countries now.
