Govt blocks over 83,000 WhatsApp accounts in crackdown on digital arrest scams

In a sweeping crackdown on cyber fraud, the government has blocked 83,668 WhatsApp accounts and 3,962 Skype IDs linked to digital arrest scams, Union Minister of State for Home Affairs Bandi Sanjay Kumar informed the Lok Sabha on March 25.

Responding to queries from Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmaker Mahesh Kashyap, Kumar revealed that authorities have also identified and deactivated approximately 781,000 SIM cards and 208,469 IMEIs as part of efforts to curb online financial fraud.

Coordinated efforts to combat cybercrime

The Ministry of Home Affairs has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which serves as a centralized agency to combat cybercrimes. “I4C proactively identified and blocked more than 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts used for digital arrests,” Kumar stated in his written response.

Additionally, the government has intensified awareness campaigns to educate citizens on cyber threats. Measures include caller tune alerts in multiple regional languages, collaboration with social media influencers, and public awareness programs through electronic media. A dedicated cybercrime helpline, 1930, has been operationalized to assist victims in reporting incidents and preventing financial losses.

Preventing financial fraud and international cyber threats

Highlighting the success of cyber fraud prevention initiatives, Kumar informed Parliament that I4C has prevented financial fraud amounting to ₹4,386 crore by addressing over 1.3 million complaints since its inception in 2021.

The government has also taken steps to tackle international cyber fraud operations. “The Central Government, in collaboration with Telecom Service Providers (TSPs), has developed a system to identify and block incoming international spoofed calls that display Indian mobile numbers,” Kumar said. “TSPs have been directed to block such fraudulent calls to safeguard Indian citizens.”

With cybercrime becoming an increasing threat, the government’s multi-pronged strategy aims to strengthen digital security and protect individuals from falling victim to online scams.