28th October 2024 (10 Topics)
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Digital Arrest Scams
Context
During an episode of his radio programme Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi drew attention to “digital arrests”, warning people against the scam.
What are Digital Arrest Scams?
- Digital arrest scams involve fraudulent individuals posing as government officials who contact victims via phone or video calls through platforms like WhatsApp and Skype.
- The scammers typically accuse the victims of involvement in illegal activities, such as drug trafficking or handling suspicious packages.
- To make their deception convincing, these scammers often use elaborate setups that mimic police stations and wear costumes that include official badges.
- They employ intimidation tactics, making victims believe they are under "digital arrest."
- The pressure builds during lengthy calls where the scammers outline dire consequences for non-compliance, culminating in demands for money as a means to secure the victim’s release or to stop the supposed legal proceedings.
- Government Response to Counter Digital Arrest Scams
- Establishment of I4C: The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre was created under the Ministry of Home Affairs to address the growing menace of cybercrime, including digital arrest scams.
- Blocking of Scammer IDs: In collaboration with tech companies like Microsoft, I4C has successfully blocked over 1,000 Skype IDs associated with these fraudulent activities.
- Awareness Campaigns: The government has launched initiatives to educate the public about the risks of such scams. Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the role of educational institutions in spreading awareness.
- Inter-Ministerial Committee: In response to a spike in transnational organized cybercrime, particularly from Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia, the government has formed a committee comprising various law enforcement and intelligence agencies to tackle these threats.
- Reporting Mechanisms: Citizens are encouraged to report suspicious calls immediately by using the cybercrime helpline (1930) or by filing complaints on the official cybercrime website (http://www.cybercrime.gov.in). Local police should also be informed to aid in investigations.
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