PM Modi warns against digital arrest frauds, says no govt agency will ever contact you via video call

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Oct 27 cautioned people against “digital arrest” frauds and said investigative agencies are working with the state government to address the issue.

In his address to people on the 115th edition of his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program, Modi emphasized that awareness is essential in protecting oneself from such scams.

“Beware of digital arrest frauds. There is no system like digital arrest under the law. No government agency will ever contact you via phone or video call for such an investigation,” he said, after a representative video was played showing the modus operandi of the scammers.

“The fraudsters impersonate police, CBI, narcotics, and sometimes RBI officials. Using such various labels, they converse as fake officers with a lot of confidence,” Modi said in his monthly address.

Urging people to get involved in the fight against cyber scams, he asked schools and colleges to organize campaigns and raise awareness.

“Follow these 3 steps to stay safe: stop, think, take action. First, stay calm and do not panic. Record or take a screen recording if possible. Second, remember that no government agency will threaten you online. Third, take action by dialing 1930 to connect with the national cyber helpline and also inform police about such a crime,” Modi said.

“Self-reliance has not only become our policy, it has become our passion. It was not very long ago, just 10 years ago, when someone said that some complex technology was being developed in India, many people would not believe it and many would ridicule it,” he added.

But today the same people are amazed to see the success of the country. India, which is becoming self-reliant, is doing wonders in every field, Modi said.

He also announced the government’s plans to celebrate the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and freedom fighter Birsa Munda, and urged the countrymen to become a part of the campaign.

“The government has decided to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of these great personalities at the national level. I would urge all of you to become a part of this campaign,” he said.

He said that both Patel and Munda were great men who had different challenges but their vision was the same. While Patel’s 150th birth anniversary year will begin on Oct 31, Munda’s 150th birth anniversary year will begin on Nov 15. Modi recalled his visit to Ulihatu village in Jharkhand, the tribal leader’s birthplace, on his birth anniversary last year.

Ahead of World Animation Day on Oct 28, Modi talked about turning India into a global animation powerhouse. He said the animation studios of India are now working with famous production companies such as Disney and Warner Brothers.

He also talked about the increasing popularity of virtual reality tourism.

“Today, our youth is creating original Indian content which has a reflection of our culture. They are being watched worldwide. The animation sector has today taken the form of an industry that is giving strength to other industries.” he said.

“Virtual reality tourism today is getting famous. On October 28, World Animation Day will be celebrated. We must resolve to make India a global animation powerhouse,” Modi added.