PM Modi alerts over 'Digital Arrest' scams, says “Wait, Think, Act”

In his latest Mann Ki Baat address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised a red flag over a rising cybercrime trend known as “digital arrests,” where scammers pretend to be law enforcement officials, pressuring victims with threats of arrest unless they make payments. This emerging scam has been troubling citizens across the country, with criminals preying on fear and urgency to exploit innocent people.

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the importance of a calm, cautious approach when dealing with such cyber threats. He recommended a three-step mantra: "Wait, Think, and Take Action." Highlighting the growing concern, he stated that multiple investigative agencies collaborate with state governments to curb such fraudulent activities. The Prime Minister warned, "There is no concept of ‘digital arrest’ in our legal system—these are simply scams by criminals, and such people are enemies of society."

PM Modi shared a video in the broadcast to demonstrate how these scammers operate. The video shows instances where fraudsters pose as officials to trick victims into sharing money or personal information. He warned the public that no investigative agency would initiate arrests via phone or video calls, stressing that any such interaction should immediately raise red flags.

The Prime Minister outlined his “Wait” approach for when a suspicious call is received. He encouraged people not to panic, to stay calm, and to avoid making impulsive decisions. "Do not share any personal information and, if possible, take a screenshot or record the call," he advised.

He then explained the “Think” step, reminding the public that no government agency conducts arrests or interrogations over the phone or video calls, nor does it demand money. He said that if people feel anxious or threatened during such calls, that alone indicates fraud.

Finally, Modi encouraged everyone to “Take Action” by calling the National Cyber Helpline at 1930, reporting the incident on the official cybercrime portal, and informing family and local authorities. He urged citizens to securely retain any evidence of the incident to assist in investigations.

To further combat cybercrime, Modi noted that a National Cyber Coordination Centre has been established to synchronize efforts among various agencies investigating these cyber scams. The Prime Minister concluded by reiterating that every individual must stay informed and vigilant to avoid falling prey to such deceitful schemes.