DIGITAL ARREST SCAMS: A GROWING CYBERCRIME THREAT

THE CONTEXT: During his “Mann Ki Baat” address on October 27, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the alarming rise in digital arrest scams. He emphasized that there is no legal system for digital arrests; no government agency conducts investigations via phone or video call.

DEFINITION: Digital arrest scams are fraudulent schemes where scammers impersonate law enforcement officials to extort money from victims under the false pretense of an arrest.

MODUS OPERANDI:

  • Impersonation of Government Officials: Scammers pose as officials from agencies like the CBI, RBI, or Narcotics Department. They use fake identities, uniforms, and badges to appear legitimate.
  • Use of Video Calls and Fake Setups: Fraudsters conduct video calls via platforms like Skype, using backgrounds that mimic official settings. They create fake documents, such as arrest warrants, to add authenticity.
  • Intimidation Tactics and False Accusations: Victims are accused of crimes like drug trafficking or financial fraud. Scammers use pressure and threats to keep victims on calls for extended periods.
  • Demand for Payments: Payments are demanded to “resolve” the fabricated legal issues. Victims are coerced into transferring large sums under the guise of bail or fines.

SCALE OF THE PROBLEM

  • Financial Losses: Indians lost ₹120.30 crore in Q1 2024 due to digital arrest scams. The total loss from various digital scams was ₹1,776 crore during this period.
  • Number of Complaints Received: Approximately 7.4 lakh cybercrime complaints were filed in Q1 2024, with a significant portion related to digital arrest scams.
  • High-profile Cases: S P Oswal, a prominent industrialist, was defrauded of ₹7 crore by scammers posing as CBI officials. This case highlights the sophistication and reach of these scams.

THE CHALLENGES:

  • Sophisticated Techniques Used by Scammers: Use of deepfakes and AI for creating convincing impersonations. Advanced technology makes it difficult for victims to discern authenticity.
  • Transnational Nature of the Crime: Many scams are operated by syndicates based in countries like Myanmar and Cambodia. Cross-border operations complicate law enforcement efforts.
  • Vulnerability of All Sections of Society: Both wealthy individuals and vulnerable groups fall prey to these scams. Lack of awareness across different demographics increases susceptibility.
  • Lack of Awareness Among the Public: Many victims are unaware that legitimate authorities do not conduct arrests via phone or video calls. Public education on recognizing scams is insufficient.

EXISTING INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK:

  • Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C): The I4C was set up under the Ministry of Home Affairs to address cybercrime comprehensively across India. It serves as a nodal point for coordinating efforts against cybercrime and improving collaboration among law enforcement agencies (LEAs) and stakeholders.
  • Functions: The I4C’s key roles include identifying research needs, suggesting amendments to cyber laws, and preventing the misuse of cyberspace by extremist groups. It also manages international cooperation through Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) related to cybercrimes.

Components:

    • National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit
    • National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)
    • National Cybercrime Training Centre
    • National Cybercrime Research and Innovation Centre
    • Platform for Joint Cyber Crime Coordination Team
    • Cybercrime Ecosystem Management Unit
    • National Cybercrime Forensic Laboratory2.
    • National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP)

Purpose: Provides a common platform for citizens to report cybercrimes on a 24/7 basis from anywhere in India. It aims to facilitate the reporting of various types of cybercrime complaints, enhancing accessibility and response efficiency.

INTER-MINISTERIAL COMMITTEE

Objective: This committee was established to address the rise in transnational organized cybercrimes targeting Indians, particularly from Southeast Asian countries like Cambodia. It involves various law enforcement and intelligence agencies working together to tackle these challenges.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

  • Blocking Fraudulent Accounts: Over 1,000 Skype IDs linked to digital arrest scams were blocked through collaboration with Microsoft. This effort is part of a broader initiative to shut down fraudulent accounts and block SIM cards used by scammers.
  • Collaboration with Tech Companies: The government has partnered with companies like Microsoft to enhance its ability to detect and block fraudulent activities on digital platforms. This collaboration is crucial for tracking and mitigating scams that exploit technology.
  • Awareness Campaigns: The government has launched campaigns to raise awareness about digital scams, using social media platforms like ‘Cyberdost‘ to disseminate information. Schools and colleges are also encouraged to educate students about cyber safety.
  • Cybercrime Helpline (1930): A toll-free helpline has been established to assist citizens in reporting cybercrimes quickly. This service aims to provide immediate support and guidance for victims of digital scams.

PREVENTION STRATEGIES

PM Modi’s Three-Step Approach: Stop, Think, Act

    • Stop: Remain calm and do not panic when receiving suspicious calls.
    • Think: Record or take screen recordings if possible; recognize that no government agency will threaten you online.
    • Act: Report the incident by calling the national cyber helpline (1930) and inform local police.
  • Identifying Red Flags in Scam Calls: Scammers often discourage resolving issues at real police stations. Calls are unusually long, which is atypical for legitimate cases. Requests for personal information like Aadhar or PAN details are common.
  • Importance of Public Awareness and Education: Continuous education on recognizing scams is vital for prevention. Public awareness campaigns help reduce vulnerability across all societal sections.

THE WAY FORWARD:

  • Strengthening International Cooperation: Enhancing collaboration with international law enforcement agencies like INTERPOL is crucial for tackling cross-border cybercrimes effectively.
  • Enhancing Technological Capabilities of Law Enforcement Agencies: Investing in advanced tools for digital forensics, AI-powered surveillance systems, and blockchain analytics will improve the efficiency of combating digital crimes.
  • Continuous Public Education and Awareness Programs: Ongoing efforts are needed to educate the public about online safety, recognizing scams, and protecting digital identities.
  • Regular Updating of Cybersecurity Laws and Regulations: Updating legal frameworks to address emerging threats such as deepfakes, AI-driven frauds, and cryptocurrency-related crimes is essential for maintaining robust cybersecurity measures.

THE CONCLUSION:

Enhancing the technological capabilities of law enforcement agencies is necessary to keep pace with evolving cyber threats. Regular updates to cybersecurity laws and regulations are needed to address new threats such as deepfakes and AI-driven frauds.

UPSC PAST YEAR QUESTION:

Q. What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. 2022

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q. Digital arrest scams have emerged as a significant threat in the digital age, exploiting technological advancements and human vulnerabilities. Evaluate the existing institutional framework and government initiatives aimed at combating these scams.

SOURCE:

https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/digital-arrest-modi-tips-cyber-scams-9641575/

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