Congress leader Sam Pitroda recently revealed that his smartphone, laptop, and server have been repeatedly targeted by hackers over the past few weeks. The hackers are reportedly demanding tens of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, and have threatened to launch a smear campaign against him.&nbsp;

Pitroda, chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, has now issued an urgent warning to his contacts, urging them to be cautious of suspicious communications from his compromised accounts.

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<h2 dir="ltr">Hackers threaten reputation damage</h2>

In an email to news agency ANI, Pitroda shared the details of the cyberattack. “My laptop, smartphone, and server have been repeatedly hacked and compromised over the past few weeks,” the Congress leader said.&nbsp;

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He added that the hackers are demanding tens of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency and have threatened to damage his reputation by launching a smear campaign if the ransom is not paid.

In the email, Pitroda advised his family, friends, and colleagues to be vigilant. He warned them not to open any emails or messages that appear to come from him but originate from unfamiliar sources. “Do not click on links or download attachments,” he cautioned, stressing that these emails could contain malware designed to further compromise their devices.

<h2>Strengthen security measures</h2>

While currently travelling, Pitroda assured his contacts that he would take immediate action upon his return to Chicago, United States. He plans to replace outdated hardware, upgrade security software, and implement stronger security protocols to protect his digital presence.&nbsp;

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“I apologise for any inconvenience or concern this situation may cause. Thank you for your understanding and vigilance,” he wrote at the end of his email. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Congress leader Sam Pitroda recently revealed that his smartphone, laptop, and server have been repeatedly targeted by hackers over the past few weeks. The hackers are reportedly demanding tens of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, and have threatened to launch a smear campaign against him.

Congress leader Sam Pitroda recently revealed that his smartphone, laptop, and server have been repeatedly targeted by hackers over the past few weeks. The hackers are reportedly demanding tens of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency, and have threatened to launch a smear campaign against him. Pitroda, chairperson of the Indian Overseas Congress, has now issued an urgent warning to his contacts, urging them to be cautious of suspicious communications from his compromised accounts. Hackers threaten reputation damage In an email to news agency ANI, Pitroda shared the details of the cyberattack. “My laptop, smartphone, and server have been repeatedly hacked and compromised over the past few weeks,” the Congress leader said. Also Read: Services of 300 Indian banks collapse after ransomware attack hits tech firm He added that the hackers are demanding tens of thousands of dollars in cryptocurrency and have threatened to damage his reputation by launching a smear campaign if the ransom is not paid. In the email, Pitroda advised his family, friends, and colleagues to be vigilant. He warned them not to open any emails or messages that appear to come from him but originate from unfamiliar sources. “Do not click on links or download attachments,” he cautioned, stressing that these emails could contain malware designed to further compromise their devices. Strengthen security measures While currently travelling, Pitroda assured his contacts that he would take immediate action upon his return to Chicago, United States. He plans to replace outdated hardware, upgrade security software, and implement stronger security protocols to protect his digital presence. Also Read | Mumbai police receive threat message against PM Modi, traced to Rajasthan's Ajmer as police begin probe “I apologise for any inconvenience or concern this situation may cause. Thank you for your understanding and vigilance,” he wrote at the end of his email. (With inputs from agencies)

Congress leader Sam Pitroda faces cyberattack and blackmail, hackers demand payment in cryptocurrency

Amid the rising ‘digital arrest’ scam cases, a 26-year-old woman from Maharashtra's Mumbai was duped of Rs 170,000 ($2,000) after scammers claimed her name came up in a money laundering investigation.

The fraudsters also forced her to strip during a video call, according to the FIR or First Information Report from police.

According to the police complaint filed by the woman, she received a phone call on November 19. The cybercriminals posed as Delhi Police officials and told her that her name had come up in a money laundering case linked to businessman Naresh Goyal.&nbsp;

The victim, who resides in Borivali East, was threatened by the scammers of being arrested. She was then asked to shift to video call and book a hotel room for the questioning while being under ‘digital arrest’.

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During the video call, she was asked to strip her clothes for ‘body verification’ and transfer Rs 178,000 ($2,105) for the verification of her bank details. The woman obliged the scammers and transferred the amount, as per the FIR.

After realising she had been tricked, the victim approached the police on November 28. A case has been registered by the Mumbai Police under BNS and IT Act and an investigation is taking place.

<h2>'Digital arrest' scam</h2>

In a digital arrest scam, people receive a call, usually via WhatsApp, and are told their name came up in a government agency investigation.

The victims are then isolated and threatened not to tell anyone about it. Then they are forced to transfer large sums of money to verify their details and given assurance that their money will be returned once their name is cleared in the investigation.

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In another incident, a student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay was duped Rs 729,000 ($8,633) by fraudsters who issued a fake ‘digital arrest’ notice and demanded he pay the money.

The cybercriminals posed as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI).

Amid the rise of such digital arrest scams, earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned citizens to beware of such phone or video calls as no investigation agency conducts interrogations in such a manner.

“Stop, think and act,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the rising ‘digital arrest’ scam cases, a 26-year-old woman from Maharashtra's Mumbai was duped of Rs 170,000 ($2,000) after scammers claimed her name came up in a money laundering investigation.

Amid the rising ‘digital arrest’ scam cases, a 26-year-old woman from Maharashtra's Mumbai was duped of Rs 170,000 ($2,000) after scammers claimed her name came up in a money laundering investigation. The fraudsters also forced her to strip during a video call, according to the FIR or First Information Report from police. According to the police complaint filed by the woman, she received a phone call on November 19. The cybercriminals posed as Delhi Police officials and told her that her name had come up in a money laundering case linked to businessman Naresh Goyal. The victim, who resides in Borivali East, was threatened by the scammers of being arrested. She was then asked to shift to video call and book a hotel room for the questioning while being under ‘digital arrest’. Also read | India: IIT Bombay student loses $8,000 to fraudsters in ‘digital arrest’ scam During the video call, she was asked to strip her clothes for ‘body verification’ and transfer Rs 178,000 ($2,105) for the verification of her bank details. The woman obliged the scammers and transferred the amount, as per the FIR. After realising she had been tricked, the victim approached the police on November 28. A case has been registered by the Mumbai Police under BNS and IT Act and an investigation is taking place. 'Digital arrest' scam In a digital arrest scam, people receive a call, usually via WhatsApp, and are told their name came up in a government agency investigation. The victims are then isolated and threatened not to tell anyone about it. Then they are forced to transfer large sums of money to verify their details and given assurance that their money will be returned once their name is cleared in the investigation. Also read | Delhi pollution: Even the best air Delhiites breathed in November was of 'very poor' category In another incident, a student of the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay was duped Rs 729,000 ($8,633) by fraudsters who issued a fake ‘digital arrest’ notice and demanded he pay the money. The cybercriminals posed as officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Amid the rise of such digital arrest scams, earlier this year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi warned citizens to beware of such phone or video calls as no investigation agency conducts interrogations in such a manner. “Stop, think and act,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

India: Woman put under ‘digital arrest’, forced to strip, duped of $2,000

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent episode of Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday (Oct&nbsp;27), drew attention towards ‘digital arrest’ and warned the citizens about the scam. Shockingly, Indians have lost over Rs 120.3 crores in the digital arrest scam in the first quarter of 2024.&nbsp;

According to data revealed by the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), about 0.74 million complaints were received between January 1 and April 30, 2024, and 46 per cent of the complaints included trading scams, investment scams, and digital arrests.&nbsp;

<h2>What is a ‘Digital Arrest’?</h2>

Fraudsters video call victims and pretend to be government officials. They use pressure tactics like accusing the victim of being involved in illegal activities and asking them to stay under ‘Digital Arrest’. They ensure that their fake identities seem real and ask the victims not to end calls and leave their homes.&nbsp;

During his recent episode of Mann Ki Baat, the PM mentioned that no official will investigate and ask for money or a fine over call. He also informed people that there is no such punishment as ‘Digital Arrest’ under the Indian legal system.&nbsp;

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi also explained a three-step strategy to be safe from digital arrest. He said, “Be aware that no investigating agency conducts such interrogations over the phone or video call. The three steps to digital security are: stop, think and act,”&nbsp;

Modi said, the first step when you receive a call is ‘stop’ and the second is ‘think’. He stressed that no official agency like the police will threaten or ask for money over video calls.&nbsp;

The third step is to take the necessary steps. He urged victims to dial 1930—the national cyber helpline—and also report these incidents on the official website cybercrime.gov.in.&nbsp;

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While highlighting the digital arrest during the episode, he shared that scammers often impersonate CBI, narcotics, RBI, or police and converse as fake officers. He also said that listeners of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ showed interest in discussing this issue.&nbsp;

“People from every class and age group fall victim to digital arrest. People have lost lakhs of rupees earned through their hard work, out of sheer fear. Whenever you receive such a call, don’t be scared. You should be aware that no investigative agency ever inquires like this through a phone call or a video call,” PM Modi said.

During the episode, PM Modi also said that agencies have blocked thousands of video-call IDs, over lakh SIM cards, mobile phones, and bank accounts.&nbsp;

He said that agencies are trying very hard to save people from cyber fraud, but for protection from these scams, every citizen must be aware of them. He also asked victims of digital arrest or other cyber frauds to share it with as many people as possible to promote awareness about these scams.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent episode of Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday (Oct 27), drew attention towards ‘digital arrest’ and warned the citizens about the scam.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his recent episode of Mann Ki Baat, on Sunday (Oct 27), drew attention towards ‘digital arrest’ and warned the citizens about the scam. Shockingly, Indians have lost over Rs 120.3 crores in the digital arrest scam in the first quarter of 2024. According to data revealed by the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP), about 0.74 million complaints were received between January 1 and April 30, 2024, and 46 per cent of the complaints included trading scams, investment scams, and digital arrests. What is a ‘Digital Arrest’? Fraudsters video call victims and pretend to be government officials. They use pressure tactics like accusing the victim of being involved in illegal activities and asking them to stay under ‘Digital Arrest’. They ensure that their fake identities seem real and ask the victims not to end calls and leave their homes. During his recent episode of Mann Ki Baat, the PM mentioned that no official will investigate and ask for money or a fine over call. He also informed people that there is no such punishment as ‘Digital Arrest’ under the Indian legal system. Also Read | Delhi wakes up to 'very poor' air quality ahead of Diwali festivities despite firecracker ban Prime Minister Narendra Modi also explained a three-step strategy to be safe from digital arrest. He said, “Be aware that no investigating agency conducts such interrogations over the phone or video call. The three steps to digital security are: stop, think and act,” Modi said, the first step when you receive a call is ‘stop’ and the second is ‘think’. He stressed that no official agency like the police will threaten or ask for money over video calls. The third step is to take the necessary steps. He urged victims to dial 1930—the national cyber helpline—and also report these incidents on the official website cybercrime.gov.in. Also Read | India, China to finalise military disengagement today: Here's what's happening While highlighting the digital arrest during the episode, he shared that scammers often impersonate CBI, narcotics, RBI, or police and converse as fake officers. He also said that listeners of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ showed interest in discussing this issue. “People from every class and age group fall victim to digital arrest. People have lost lakhs of rupees earned through their hard work, out of sheer fear. Whenever you receive such a call, don’t be scared. You should be aware that no investigative agency ever inquires like this through a phone call or a video call,” PM Modi said. During the episode, PM Modi also said that agencies have blocked thousands of video-call IDs, over lakh SIM cards, mobile phones, and bank accounts. He said that agencies are trying very hard to save people from cyber fraud, but for protection from these scams, every citizen must be aware of them. He also asked victims of digital arrest or other cyber frauds to share it with as many people as possible to promote awareness about these scams. (With inputs from agencies)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi warns Indian citizens about ‘Digital Arrest’, what is it?

Cyber crimes cases registered in the country have grown in the last three years, with the number rising from 9,622 and 11,592 to 12,317 during 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively, the government said today.

During the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, members expressed concern over the safety of digital transactions, to which the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the government was alert to the challenges.

He also said the government was working with the Interpol and CBI to identify sites that had child pornographic material, something which is &quot;totally condemnable&quot;.

A large number of sites have also been blocked, he said.

He also quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and said as per incidents reported to the Indian Computer Emergency Report Team (CERT-In), 79 phishing incidents affecting 22 financial organisations, 13 incidents affecting ATMs, Point of Sales (POS) systems and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) were reported.

The RBI has registered a total of 13083, 16468, 13653 and 12520 cases of frauds involving credit cards in 2014-15, 2015 -16, 2016-17 and quarter April-September 2017 respectively, he said.

Prasad said that labs have been established in several states and hundreds of officers deployed.

&quot;We don&#39;t have report of any fraud as far as the BHIM app is concerned but the government is alert,&quot; he added.

Cyber crimes cases registered in the country have grown in the last three years, with the number rising from 9,622 and 11,592 to 12,317 during 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively, the government said today

Cyber crimes cases registered in the country have grown in the last three years, with the number rising from 9,622 and 11,592 to 12,317 during 2014, 2015 and 2016 respectively, the government said today. During the Question Hour in Rajya Sabha, members expressed concern over the safety of digital transactions, to which the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology Ravi Shankar Prasad said that the government was alert to the challenges. He also said the government was working with the Interpol and CBI to identify sites that had child pornographic material, something which is "totally condemnable". A large number of sites have also been blocked, he said. He also quoted data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) and said as per incidents reported to the Indian Computer Emergency Report Team (CERT-In), 79 phishing incidents affecting 22 financial organisations, 13 incidents affecting ATMs, Point of Sales (POS) systems and Unified Payments Interface (UPI) were reported. The RBI has registered a total of 13083, 16468, 13653 and 12520 cases of frauds involving credit cards in 2014-15, 2015 -16, 2016-17 and quarter April-September 2017 respectively, he said. Prasad said that labs have been established in several states and hundreds of officers deployed. "We don't have report of any fraud as far as the BHIM app is concerned but the government is alert," he added.

Cyber crimes rose between 2014 and 2017: Government