Has MHA Formed High-Level Committee to Probe Digital Arrest Scam? Here's The Truth

New Delhi: Reports emerged earlier today that the Ministry of Home Affairs has formed a high-level committee to probe the digital arrest scam amid a spike in fraud cases. However, it has been clarified that no such panel has been set up.

This comes as the Indian government earlier revealed that Indians lost an alarming Rs 120.30 crore to "digital arrest" frauds in the first quarter of this year alone.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also highlighted this issue during his recent address in Mann ki Baat, emphasising on the urgent need for awareness and action against such cybercrime.

What is Digital Arrest?

'Digital arrest' has become the newest form of cyber scam in which victims are made to stay on video calls for hours till they transfer all their money to the fraudsters. However, so far, there has been nothing called 'digital arrests' in law.

This deceptive tactic is used by cyber fraudsters to exploit people under the guise of law enforcement or investigative agencies.  This usually involves conmen reaching out to potential victims through phone calls or digital means, falsely claiming that there is a warrant for their arrest or that they are under investigation.

These conmen then demand sensitive information, such as personal or financial details.

The cyber-security agency CERT-In issued an advisory states, "the scammer threatens the victim with arrest or legal consequences unless he takes immediate action. They often create a sense of panic to prevent rational thinking. Under the guise of "clearing their name", "assisting with the investigation" or "refundable security deposit/escrow account", individuals are coerced into transferring large sums of money to specified bank accounts or UPI IDs."

PM Modi Warns Against 'Digital Arrest' Fraud

Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an episode of 'Mann Ki Baat' issued a stern warning to the nation regarding the rising menace of 'digital arrest' fraud. He emphasised that no government agency conducts interrogations over the phone or demands money, urging citizens to remain vigilant.

He described the modus operandi of scammers, who impersonate officials from organizations like the police, CBI, and RBI . "These callers create an atmosphere of fear and urgency," he explained. "They collect personal information and use intimidation tactics to manipulate their victims."

"There are 3 steps of digital security- stop, think, and take action. If possible, take a screenshot and do the recording. No government agencies give such threats over the phone nor do they demand money," he added.