‘No govt agency will ever contact you via video call’: PM Modi’s Mann Ki Baat warns against ‘digital arrest’ frauds

In the 115th edition of his monthly radio address ‘Mann Ki Baat’, Modi said, “Beware of digital arrest frauds. There is no system like digital arrest under law. No government agency will ever contact you via phone or video call for such an investigation.”

Sharing an audio, he said: “The conversation you just heard pertains to the fraud of digital arrest. This conversation is between a victim and a fraudster.”

“The fraudsters impersonate as police, CBI, narcotics, at times RBI… using such labels, they converse as fake officers with a lot of confidence… What is this dangerous game? It is very important for you to understand this,” he said.

Explaining the modus operandi of the fraudsters, Modi said, “The first move… They collect all of your personal information… ‘You went to Goa last month, didn’t you? Your daughter studies in Delhi, right’? They collect so much information about you that you will be surprised.”

“The second move – create an atmosphere of fear… Uniform, government office set-up , legal sections… they will scare you so much on the phone,” he said. “And then their third move begins, the third move – the time pressure. ‘You have to decide now or else you will be arrested’ – these people create so much psychological pressure on the victim that one gets scared. People from every class and age group fall victim to digital arrest.”

“People have lost lakhs of rupees earned through their hard work, out of sheer fear,” he said.

To stay safe, Modi said, people should follow three steps — stop, think and take action.

“As soon as you get a call, stop… don’t panic, stay calm, don’t take any hasty steps, don’t give away your personal information to anyone; if possible take a screenshot and record it for sure,” he said. The second step, he said, is to think. “No government agency threatens you on the phone like this, neither inquires nor demands money on a video call like this. If you feel scared, then know that something is wrong,” he said.

The third step, he said, is to take action. “Dial the national cyber helpline 1930, report on cybercrime.gov.in, inform family and police, preserve evidence,” Modi said.

“I’ll reiterate that there is no system like digital arrest in the law, this is just a fraud, deceit, it is a lie, a gang of criminals and those who are doing this are enemies of society. To deal with the fraud that is going on in the name of digital arrest, all the investigative agencies are working together with the state governments,” the Prime Minister said, adding that a National Cyber Coordination Centre has been set up for synchronization among these agencies.

“Thousands of such fraudulent video calling IDs have been blocked by the agencies. Lakhs of SIM cards, mobile phones and bank accounts have also been blocked. Agencies are doing their job, but for protection from scams in the name of digital arrest, it is very important that everyone is aware, every citizen is aware. Those who are victims of this kind of cyber fraud should let as many people as possible know about it,” he said.

“I would also like to urge schools and colleges to involve students in the campaign against cyber scams. We can fight this challenge only with the collective efforts of society.”

During the address, the Prime Minister also urged people to strengthen the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign this festive season. “Self-reliance has not only become our policy, it has become our passion. It was not very long ago, just 10 years ago, when someone said that some complex technology was being developed in India, many people would not believe it and many would ridicule it,” he said.

“But today, the same people are amazed to see the success of the country. India, which is becoming self-reliant, is doing wonders in every field,” Modi said.

He also announced the government’s plans to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, and urged the people to become a part of the campaign.

He said both were great men who had different challenges but their vision was the same. While Patel’s 150th birth anniversary year will begin on October 31, Birsa Munda’s 150th birth anniversary year will begin on November 15.

Modi also recalled his visit to Ulihatu village in Jharkhand, the birthplace of Birsa Munda, on his birth anniversary last year.

Ahead of World Animation Day on October 28, the Prime Minister spoke about turning India into a global animation powerhouse. He said Indian animation studios are now working with famous production companies such as Disney and Warner Brothers.

“Today, our youth is creating original Indian content which has a reflection of our culture. They are being watched worldwide. The animation sector has today taken the form of an industry that is giving strength to other industries. Virtual Reality tourism today is getting famous. On October 28, World Animation Day will be celebrated. We must resolve to make India a global animation powerhouse,” he said.