PM Modi's Guide to Outsmart Digital Arrest Scams: Stay Safe, Stay #SafeDigitalIndia
NEW DELHI — In his Mann Ki Baat program, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted the rising issue of "digital arrest" scams. He advised people on staying safe with guidance on protection. In this, while asking citizens not to be panicked when they receive suspect calls, Modi said that genuine investigation agencies do not conduct investigations or seek individual information by phone or video calls.
At this, his 115th Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Modi showed a video of a scamster who acted as a policeman, asked another person to produce his Aadhaar card in a fake interrogation procedure. This was Modi explaining an instance of "digital arrest" fraud whereby criminals use fear to steal money and personal information.
Beware of Digital Arrest frauds!
— PMO India (@PMOIndia) October 27, 2024
No investigative agency will ever contact you by phone or video call for enquiries.
Follow these 3 steps to stay safe: Stop, Think, Take Action.#MannKiBaat #SafeDigitalIndia pic.twitter.com/KTuw7rlRDK
"People from all walks of life at all ages have been becoming victims of such scams, losing their hard-earned money due to fear. Scammers need intimidation tactics to push people into an impulsive and irrational act," Modi said, counseling against panicking and told everyone that no genuine agency of law enforcement would come asking for the same via a call.
Modi's Three-Step Digital Security Plan
To combat digital arrest frauds, PM Modi has proposed a three-step safety measure so that the right path is adopted in this case:
Stop-Stay calm and do not make any rash decisions. Do not share personal information immediately. If possible, take screenshots or even record the conversation.
Think-Reflect on whether the call is a formal one or not. Official agencies never ever intend to threaten or grill by a phone or video call and demand money from their victims. That is why in case it feels odd; something probably is off-the-mark.
Act – Report by reporting. Dial 1930 for the National Cyber Helpline and report the same through the Cyber Crime Portal. Inform family members and your local police so such incidents do not happen here again.
Reporting Digital Scams
Modi added that thousands of video IDs, SIM cards, and bank accounts involved in such frauds have been already blocked. He requested the people to raise the level of awareness and observed that it is the each citizen's responsibility to join hands with the government and its efforts to curb online frauds. Modi motivated the audience to share more and make others aware as well. He introduced #SafeDigitalIndia and inspired the masses to post related encounters on social media to raise further awareness.
"The consciousness of every citizen is a prerequisite to protect us all from such scams," Modi said, urging the public to immediately report suspicious activities to the authorities.
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