Tech Talk
Govt Blocks Over 7.81 Lakh SIM Cards, Cracks Down on ‘Digital Arrest’ Scams
New Delhi – In a major crackdown on cyber fraud, the Government of India has blocked more than 7.81 lakh SIM cards and 2,08,469 IMEI numbers linked to cybercrime, particularly the rising menace of ‘digital arrest’ scams. The action, taken as of February-end, followed multiple police reports highlighting the growing threat of these deceptive operations.
Inside the ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam
Fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officials and military personnel, often using video calls to coerce unsuspecting victims into believing they are under a ‘digital arrest.’ Exploiting fear and urgency, they demand hefty sums in exchange for avoiding fabricated legal consequences.
To combat this alarming trend, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) established the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), which spearheads awareness campaigns and enforcement measures against such scams.
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Tech Crackdown: Thousands of Accounts Blocked
The I4C’s efforts have led to the identification and blocking of:
- 3,962 Skype IDs
- 83,668 WhatsApp accounts
These were being used as tools for executing ‘digital arrest’ frauds, as per official reports.
The government has also launched the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP), providing a platform for citizens to report online fraud. Additionally, a nationwide caller-tune campaign was introduced in partnership with the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), promoting awareness about cyber threats and highlighting the Cyber Crime Helpline Number – 1930.
International Fraud Calls Under the Scanner
Taking the fight against cybercrime beyond borders, the Centre has devised a system to detect and block fraudulent international calls masked as Indian numbers. Telecom Service Providers (TSPs) have been directed to take strict action against such spoofed calls to prevent large-scale deception.
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State-Level Responsibility & Central Support
While cybercrime enforcement primarily falls under the jurisdiction of State and Union Territory (UT) Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs), the Central Government supplements their efforts through advisories, financial assistance, and specialized training programs.
Minister of State for Home Affairs, Bandi Sanjay Kumar, reiterated this in a recent Rajya Sabha statement, emphasizing that cybercrime prevention and investigation remain state responsibilities under the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
With rising cyber threats, the government continues to strengthen digital security measures, enhance public awareness, and clamp down on online fraudsters, ensuring a safer cyber ecosystem for all.