In his recent 'Mann Ki Baat' address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke about the alarming rise in digital arrest scams targeting Indian citizens, particularly the elderly and businessmen. These scams typically involve cyber criminals posing as authorities, such as police or CBI officers, who threaten victims with false arrest in order to manipulate them into disclosing sensitive financial information. PM Modi emphasized the urgency of this issue, illustrating how many victims have lost their life savings due to these deceptive tactics.

He shared specific instances, including a case involving an 83-year-old retired Navy officer who fell prey to such a scam and lost a significant sum of ₹42.50 lakh. This example underlines the severe financial impact these scams can have on vulnerable individuals, highlighting the government's commitment to raising awareness amongst citizens. Modi urged everyone to remain vigilant and suspicious of unsolicited calls that claim legal action.

The Prime Minister's warnings come at a crucial time, as the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) continues to change the digital landscape in India, transforming everything from business to personal security. As people increasingly engage in online activities, educating the public on these types of scams becomes vital for safeguarding their finances, thereby ensuring that the advancements in technology don't inadvertently lead to increased financial crimes.