Recently, the Supreme Court of India made a significant move by directing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to enhance its efforts against the increasing cases of digital arrest scams. This decision grants the CBI full authority to conduct a nationwide investigation, particularly focusing on bank officials who may be complicit in these cybercrimes.
A digital arrest scam represents a form of cyber fraud where criminals impersonate law enforcement or government officials. They often intimidate victims with false criminal charges, leading to distressing interactions. Victims are usually transferred to video calls where they are shown fake arrest warrants and coerced into transferring money, often referred to as a “security deposit” or a fee to “clear their name.” After the payment, fraudsters vanish, leaving victims with significant financial losses and potential misuse of their personal and banking information.
The rise of digital arrest scams has become a pressing cybercrime issue, with reports suggesting that scammers have extorted nearly ₹3,000 crore, predominantly targeting senior citizens. Due to the scale and serious nature of these crimes, the Supreme Court deemed the situation exceptional, allowing for direct CBI intervention. This ruling enables the CBI to investigate such cases without requiring prior consent from state governments, which is typically mandated under federal policing norms.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) to coordinate responses to various cybercrimes across the nation. The Central Government has also initiated a nationwide awareness campaign against digital arrest scams through various media channels, including social media and traditional advertising.
Additionally, the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System (2021) aims to prevent fund diversion and ensure swift responses to cases of financial cyber fraud.
Q1. What is a digital arrest scam?
Answer: A digital arrest scam involves fraudsters impersonating law enforcement officials to intimidate victims into transferring money, claiming they need to pay a "security deposit" to avoid false charges.
Q2. What actions has the Supreme Court taken against these scams?
Answer: The Supreme Court has empowered the CBI to conduct nationwide investigations into digital arrest scams without needing state consent, focusing on bank officials and international collaboration.
Q3. How much money has been extorted through these scams?
Answer: Reports indicate that nearly ₹3,000 crore has been extorted from victims, primarily targeting vulnerable populations like senior citizens.
Q4. What measures are in place to prevent digital arrest scams?
Answer: The government has initiated the I4C, launched awareness campaigns, and mandated states to activate cybercrime coordination centres to enhance prevention and response mechanisms.
Q5. How can individuals protect themselves from such scams?
Answer: Individuals should remain vigilant, verify identities of callers, and never transfer money without confirming legitimacy. Awareness campaigns provide essential information on identifying scams.
Question 1: What is the primary focus of the Supreme Court's recent directive to the CBI?
A) To enhance online shopping
B) To investigate digital arrest scams
C) To regulate banking systems
D) To improve telecom services
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which demographic is particularly targeted by digital arrest scams?
A) Young adults
B) Senior citizens
C) Business professionals
D) Children
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is one key action the CBI is directed to take regarding bank officials?
A) Provide loans
B) Investigate corruption
C) Open new accounts
D) Issue credit cards
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which international organization is the CBI instructed to collaborate with?
A) World Health Organization
B) Interpol
C) United Nations
D) World Bank
Correct Answer: B
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