Mann Ki Baat: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Warns People Against ‘Digital Arrest’
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the nation in the 115th episode of Mann Ki Baat on Sunday, October 27th, 2024. During his speech, he highlighted the issue of digital arrest, a type of scam where fraudsters pose as government officials and extort money from people. He warned people against the rising digital scams and shared a three-step strategy to combat these frauds.
Prime Minister Modi also revealed that Indians lost approximately Rs 120.3 crore to digital arrest fraud schemes in the first quarter of the year, according to the Government reports.
Notably, as per the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal, about 0.74 million complaints have been recorded between January 1 to April 30 this year. The previous year 1.5 complaints have been logged in. In 2022, about 0.96 million complaints of digital scams were filed. These statistics showed a massive increase in the number of cases compared to those recorded in the year 2021, i.e. 0.45 million.
Laying out the workings of these digital scams, PM Modi explained how these fraudulent carry out their operations. He stated that no government agency or portals threaten individuals over phone calls and ask for money. He also warned the people to be aware of such traps. In case they receive any call, no investigating agency conducts such interrogations online.
Be aware that no investigating agency conducts such interrogations over the phone or video calls. The three steps to digital security are, stop, think, and act, the Prime Minister outlined.
He cautioned the people, stating, As soon as you get a call, stop… dont panic, stay calm dont take any hasty steps, dont give away your personal information to anyone. If possible take a screenshot and record it for sure.
The first step is to stop, and the second step is to think. No government agency threatens you on the phone like this, neither inquires nor demands money on a video conference like this. The third step, PM Modi said, is to take action. PM Modi urged victims to contact the National Cyber helpline 1930 and file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.
During his Mann Ki Baat, PM Modi also shared a conversation between a victim and a fraudster to highlight digital arrests and inform the public. He outlined that these fraudsters make digital arrests in the name of police, CBI, RBI, or other governmental authorities. They negotiate as authorities with a lot of confidence.
Further, the Prime Minister also said that they have blocked thousands of such fraudulent video-calling IDs alongside SIM cards, mobile phones, and bank accounts. Agencies are doing their job. It is very important that everyone is aware, every citizen is aware. Those who are victims of this kind of cyber fraud should let as many people as possible know about it. You can use #SafedigitalIndia for awareness, he asserted.
In the latest Mann Ki Baat Episode by PM Narendra Modi on Sunday, he also discussed several other topics, such as Environmental Awareness, Student power, Cultural Celebrations, and Fitness and self-reliance.
PM Modi emphasized the importance of eco-friendly living and growing awareness among people about using eco-friendly products.
He also highlighted the role of students in making the nation advance and powerful. He stressed their energy, innovation, and contribution are crucial for the nation.
The PM also reflected upon his visit to Ulihatu Village in Jharkhand. He visited on the occasion of Bhagwan Birsa Mundas Jayanti and celebrated the 150th anniversary of Sardar Patel and Birsa Munda.
He also discussed several ways for Indias progress in fitness and self-reliance. PM Modi encouraged people to stay healthy, adopt a healthier lifestyle, and support local products.
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