Digital Arrest Fraud: Comprehensive and Coordinated Strategy by the Central Government to Tackle Cybercrime

The Central Government, in collaboration with law enforcement agencies (LEAs), has initiated a series of measures to combat cybercrime, including digital arrest fraud.

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Dec 11, 2024 - 04:58
Digital Arrest Fraud: Comprehensive and Coordinated Strategy by the Central Government to Tackle Cybercrime

Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, informed the Lok Sabha that police and public order fall under the jurisdiction of states, as per the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. However, the Central Government supports states and Union Territories by enhancing the capacity of their law enforcement agencies through advisory and financial assistance.

I4C: The National Framework Against Cybercrime

The Ministry of Home Affairs has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to address all types of cybercrimes comprehensively.

  • Over 1,700 Skype IDs and 59,000 WhatsApp accounts linked to digital arrest fraud have been identified and blocked.
  • More than 6.69 lakh SIM cards and 1.32 lakh IMEI numbers have been deactivated.

Under I4C, the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal ( cybercrime.gov.in ) has been launched, enabling citizens to report cybercrimes, with a special focus on crimes against women and children.

To address financial fraud, the Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System has been implemented. It has processed over 9.94 lakh complaints, preventing the loss of more than ₹3,431 crore. Citizens can also seek assistance via the toll-free helpline 1930.

Focus on Digital Arrest Fraud

The government has intensified its efforts to combat digital arrest fraud, where cybercriminals impersonate law enforcement officials or government authorities to extort money. Recent actions include:

  • Blocking international scam calls: Telecommunication Service Providers (TSPs) have been directed to block fake calls appearing as Indian numbers used in such scams.
  • Awareness campaigns: A large-scale awareness initiative was launched, including advertisements in newspapers, announcements in Delhi Metro, and events like the Raahgiri Celebration in New Delhi on November 27, 2024.

Public Awareness and Education

The Central Government has rolled out extensive public awareness programs to educate citizens about cybercrime.

  • Social media platforms under the initiative CyberDost provide regular updates via Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
  • Advertisements in newspapers, radio broadcasts, and digital displays at airports and railway stations spread awareness.
  • Special handbooks for students and Cyber Safety Weeks in collaboration with states and UTs emphasize cyber hygiene.

Support for Law Enforcement Agencies

The Central Government supports state and UT police forces by offering technical and financial assistance to enhance their ability to detect, investigate, and prosecute cybercrimes.

Although the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) publishes annual crime statistics in its report Crime in India, specific data on digital arrest fraud is not maintained separately.

Building a Resilient Ecosystem

To further strengthen the fight against cybercrime, the I4C framework provides a structured and collaborative approach. This includes:

  • Coordinating with stakeholders like police, NCERT, CBI, RBI, and telecom operators.
  • Blocking fraudulent accounts linked to international scam calls.

The government appeals to citizens to stay vigilant and leverage tools like the Cybercrime Reporting Portal and the helpline to protect themselves from such fraud.

These measures underscore the Central Government’s commitment to creating a secure digital ecosystem and tackling cybercrime effectively.

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