In Mann Ki Baat broadcast, PM Modi warns against rising ‘digital arrest’ cases, urges caution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, speaking during the 115th episode of his Mann Ki Baat radio broadcast on Sunday (Oct 27), issued a strong warning about the rising cases of “digital arrest” fraud and people losing their hard earned money to cybercriminals. He clarified that no government investigative agency in India ever reaches out by phone or video call to interrogate individuals and never demands money to settle cases.

“Beware of digital arrest frauds. There is no system like digital arrest under the law. No government agency will ever contact you via phone or video call for such an investigation,” he stressed.

Modi further explained the process often used by scamsters, saying, “In these digital arrest scams, fraudsters pose as officials from the police, CBI, RBI, or narcotics agencies, speaking with complete confidence. Many people urged me to address this issue in Mann Ki Baat. The first thing they do is gather your personal information. The second step is to create fear, making you so anxious that rational thinking becomes difficult. The third step involves putting time pressure on you… This scam affects people from all walks of life and age groups. Many have lost significant amounts of money to these criminals. If you ever receive such a call, do not be frightened. It’s important to know that no investigative agency conducts such inquiries over the phone or through video calls.”

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Modi emphasised that central agencies are coordinating with state authorities to combat these scams, but public awareness is essential to prevent them. He displayed a video clip illustrating how scammers impersonate government officials to exploit people’s fear after gathering substantial information about potential victims.

Reiterating his warning, Modi urged, “Beware of digital arrest frauds. No investigative agency will ever contact you by phone or video call for such an investigation.”

He advised the public to call the national cyber helpline at ‘1930’ or use the online portal to report any such scam, as well as to inform the police. Modi also suggested that victims record these conversations and take screenshots for further evidence.

The PM then added that self-reliance has become not just a policy but a passionate pursuit for the country and said, "India, moving towards self-sufficiency, is excelling in all fields.”

“Self-reliance has not only become our policy, it has become our passion. A decade ago, if someone mentioned advanced technology being developed in India, many would laugh or express disbelief. But today, those same people are astonished by India’s achievements,” he said.

“India, which is becoming self-reliant, is doing wonders in every field,” PM Modi said.

(With inputs from agencies)