Government Takes Major Action Against 'Digital Arrest' Scams; Strict Measures to be Imposed on SIM Cards and WhatsApp..

The "Digital Arrest" scam is rapidly claiming victims across India. Cybercriminals, posing as police officers, CBI agents, or other government officials, are defrauding people of lakhs of rupees. To curb this growing threat, the Central Government has presented a comprehensive plan to the Supreme Court. The government is preparing to tighten regulations regarding SIM card issuance, enhance surveillance on WhatsApp, and immediately freeze suspicious bank accounts. The primary objective is to swiftly rein in cybercriminals.

**Strict Surveillance on SIM Cards**
According to *India Today*, the Central Government—in a report submitted to the Supreme Court—has advocated for stricter regulations to prevent the misuse of SIM cards. As per the report, biometric verification protocols for issuing new SIM cards will be further strengthened. Additionally, the vetting process for SIM card vendors will become significantly more rigorous than before. Telecom operators may be required to share their subscriber data with government agencies to facilitate immediate action in cases involving fraud. Since fraudulent or fraudulently acquired SIM cards are frequently utilized in Digital Arrest scams, the government aims to fortify this specific link in the chain as a top priority.

**Strict Measures on WhatsApp and Digital Platforms**
The government has also proposed new security measures for instant messaging platforms such as WhatsApp. The report suggests that devices repeatedly implicated in fraudulent activities should be blocked. Furthermore, mechanisms could be developed to link WhatsApp accounts directly to their associated SIM cards and to identify suspicious long-duration calls. A proposal has also been put forward to retain data from deleted accounts for a certain period to assist investigative agencies. Digital platforms will be required to collaborate with agencies—such as the Indian Cyber ​​Crime Coordination Centre—to take swift action, thereby ensuring that fraudulent networks are dismantled in a timely manner.

**Bank Accounts to be Frozen Immediately; Here is How to File a Complaint**
The government has endorsed the Reserve Bank of India's policy, which permits the temporary freezing of bank accounts suspected of being linked to cyber fraud. The Centre aims to ensure that this mechanism is implemented uniformly across the entire country. If you fall victim to a digital scam, immediately call the helpline 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. According to experts, the first hour after the incident is the most critical. Additionally, notify your bank immediately, halt the transaction, and lock your card. Prompt action can help save your money.

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