Digital Arrest Frauds: The Ministry of Home Affairs has revealed that Indians lost ₹120.3 crores through digital arrest scams between January and April of this year (the first quarter). When combined, scams related to trading, investments, and dating apps total ₹1,776 crores. The report specifies that 46% of cybercriminals are from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia.
According to the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center, victims lost ₹1,420.48 crores in trading scams, ₹222.58 crores in investment scams, and ₹13.23 crores in dating scams. Rajeev Kumar, Chief Executive Officer of the Indian Cyber Coordination Center, stated that cybercriminals from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia target Indians using fraudulent strategies. He noted that they are perpetrating scams through social media platforms, claiming to offer employment opportunities.
According to data from the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), there were 740,000 digital arrest complaints filed between January 1 and April 30 this year. In 2023, the total was 1.556 million, while in 2022, it was 966,000, and in 2021, there were 452,000 complaints.
Prime Minister Modi’s Warning: Meanwhile, during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ broadcast on Sunday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged the public to remain vigilant against cyber crimes. He also advised caution regarding digital fraud. He stated that investigation agencies are making all efforts to eliminate digital arrests in cooperation with the states. He revealed that no investigative agency would contact the public via phone or video calls.
What is a Digital Arrest? It refers to scenarios where authorities claim that drugs, fake passports, or prohibited items are linked to your name. Even if you shout that you never ordered such things, they won’t listen. They insist that since it’s in your name, you are responsible. They warn you that you could get into legal trouble. They manipulate you into believing this and demand money to settle the case. This is what a digital arrest entails. They often impersonate CBI, Customs, or ED officials during video calls while in uniform and demand money to close the case.
