Source: TH
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the rising threat of the “digital arrest” scam during his Mann Ki Baat address, urging citizens to remain cautious and report suspicious activities.
About Digital Arrest Scam:
- Definition: Digital arrest is a form of cybercrime where scammers impersonate officials from law enforcement agencies (CBI, ED, police, etc.) and claim the victim is involved in serious crimes like money laundering or narcotics trafficking.
- Method: Scammers call or video call victims, posing as officials from law enforcement or government bodies (sometimes in official attire or settings) and demand personal information.
- Tactics: They gather personal information, create fear by appearing official, and then apply psychological pressure by threatening arrest, often quoting fake legal provisions.
Indian laws addressing digital arrest scams:
- Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D: Punishes cheating by impersonation via computer resources, carrying penalties including imprisonment.
- I4C: The MHA-established Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has been blocking fraudulent accounts, including over 1,000 Skype accounts linked to digital arrest scams.
- Cyber awareness campaigns: I4C’s “Cyberdost” platform is issuing alerts and spreading awareness about such scams.
- National cyber-crime reporting portal: Victims are encouraged to report incidents at the portal or call the helpline (1930).
PM proposed strategy to combat digital scams:
- Cyberhelpline: Urges citizens to call the national helpline at 1930 for reporting scams.
- Cybercrime reporting portal: Encourages use of cybercrime.gov.in to file digital complaints.
- Public awareness: Calls for educational institutions to involve students in awareness campaigns on digital fraud.
- Three-step safety protocol: Advises citizens to “Stop-Think-Take Action” before responding to suspicious calls.
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