Indians lost ₹120.3 crore to "digital arrest" scams in the first quarter of 2024 alone, according to a report by *The Indian Express*, citing data from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA). Prime Minister Narendra Modi raised the alarm on this rising trend in cybercrime during the 115th episode of *Mann Ki Baat* on October 27, 2024.

The report states that 46% of such scams, including digital arrest, trading, investment, and romance frauds, were linked to cybercriminals based in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. The total financial damage from these scams reached a staggering ₹1,776 crore. Trading scams accounted for ₹1,420.48 crore, investment frauds for ₹222.58 crore, and romance scams for ₹13.23 crore.

Chief Executive Officer Rajesh Kumar of the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) revealed that cyber complaints surged this year, with 7.4 lakh reports from January to April alone, compared to 15.56 lakh in 2023 and 9.66 lakh in 2022.

Cybercriminals employ various tactics, including recruitment schemes on social media that lure Indians with false job offers. Kumar described the digital arrest scam as involving scammers posing as law enforcement on video calls. They claim victims are implicated in crimes and demand payments to “close” fabricated cases.

This wave of cyber fraud has underscored the importance of increased vigilance and cybersecurity awareness, as emphasized by the Prime Minister.

BOB Post