New Delhi: In his recent Mann Ki Baat broadcast, Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised an alert on "digital arrest" frauds, where scammers impersonate officials from law enforcement agencies, coercing victims into sending money under the threat of arrest. Modi clarified that no government authority will ever make such demands via video or phone calls, highlighting that this fraudulent approach preys on people’s fears.

Explaining the scam’s tactics, Modi said fraudsters begin by gathering personal information, using it to create an atmosphere of intimidation. They intensify fear with a sense of urgency, pressuring victims to act quickly or face immediate "digital arrest." Modi encouraged the public to resist this pressure and avoid sharing personal information, urging them instead to follow three steps: stop, think, and take action. Specifically, he advised recording suspicious calls, recognizing no official agency demands money this way, and reporting incidents via the cyber helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.

Modi highlighted steps being taken to counteract these schemes, such as blocking thousands of fraudulent video IDs, SIM cards, and bank accounts. He also urged educational institutions to raise awareness of these scams. Alongside, he encouraged everyone to support the Atmanirbhar Bharat campaign this festive season, emphasizing India's progress towards self-reliance, and announced plans to commemorate the 150th birth anniversaries of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Birsa Munda.

Marking India’s World Animation Day, Modi celebrated the nation’s rise in animation and digital content creation, with Indian studios collaborating globally with companies like Disney and Warner Brothers. He called on India to further establish itself as a global leader in animation.