What is "digital arrest" and how do people get arrested?

In his Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi introduced the term "digital arrest" to describe a new type of sophisticated scam targeting Indian citizens.

This scam typically involves impersonators who claim to be officials from government bodies like the ✔️police, ✔️CBI, ✔️RBI, or the ✔️narcotics department.

The scammers???? assert that the victim is implicated in a serious crime, using pressure tactics to make the situation appear urgent and intimidating.

Here’s a breakdown of how the "digital arrest" scam operates:

1) Identity Theft and Impersonation:

????Scammers pose as high-ranking officials or representatives from authoritative institutions, creating a facade of legitimacy.
By adopting formal language and using a professional tone, they create an atmosphere of seriousness that can cause victims to panic and comply without much questioning.

2) Psychological Pressure and Urgency:

These scammers skillfully exploit fear, making recipients believe they’re in ⚠️immediate danger of arrest or other legal repercussions if they don’t comply. Often, the callers will insist that failure to act quickly could result in severe consequences like a "digital arrest."

3) Request for Sensitive Information:

⛔The scam progresses as the callers demand sensitive???? information, including financial details, personal data, or bank credentials, under the guise of verifying identity or resolving the issue.
In some cases, they may direct victims to install malicious apps or enter ????OTPs, giving them access to personal accounts.

4) Financial Fraud:

The end goal of these scammers is to steal money. Some may demand payments as “fines” or “legal fees” to clear the so-called charges.
Others may leverage the data collected to make unauthorized withdrawals from the victim's accounts.

PM Modi assured citizens that no legitimate government official would ever demand personal information or money over the phone.
✅He emphasized that anyone receiving such calls should remain calm, disconnect, and report the scam.
✅In response to the rise of such cases, the National Cyber Coordination Centre and state police are actively working to counter these cyber threats.

‼️The PM also highlighted the role of public awareness and advised educational institutions to educate students on cyber safety, as students can help spread awareness and protect others in their communities.