In a recent "Mann Ki Baat" address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned citizens about the surge in digital arrest scams.
These fraudulent calls, often from impersonators posing as officials from agencies like the Police, CBI, or RBI, are designed to manipulate victims through fear and confusion.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi urged people to remain calm during receiving fraudulent calls and follow three essential steps: Stop, Think, and Take Action, reminding them that legitimate agencies do not conduct inquiries over phone or video calls.
His warning resonates deeply with the chilling experience of Professor Srijata Dey from BITS Pilani, who fell prey to such a scheme in October 2023.
A caller pretending to be from Telecom Regulatory Authority of India accused her of criminal activity and subjected her to months of digital coercion.
Under continuous surveillance through Skype, Dey was isolated and manipulated into transferring over ₹7.6 crore in 42 transactions, including ₹80 lakh taken in loans.
The case overwhelmed local authorities, prompting a transfer of the case to the CBI, which used advanced analytics and surveillance to investigate.
After a year, four suspects linked to a broader cybercrime network were arrested in Mumbai and Moradabad.
Despite this breakthrough, Dey’s case exposes the limitations in India’s ability to tackle cross-border digital crimes.
Many such victims remain unheard, and the lack of specialized infrastructure leaves them vulnerable.
As scams grow more sophisticated, India must invest in cybercrime prevention and digital literacy to protect its citizens from similar fates.
See What’s Next in Tech With the Fast Forward Newsletter
Tweets From @varindiamag
Nothing to see here - yet
When they Tweet, their Tweets will show up here.
