The Supreme Court raised alarm over growing digital arrest scams, noting even educated individuals are being cheated. CJI highlighted a case where an elderly woman lost her entire retirement savings, calling the trend deeply concerning.
In a strong observation on the rising threat of cyber fraud, Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday expressed serious concern over the increasing number of “digital arrest” scams, noting that even well-educated individuals are falling victim to such crimes.
The remarks were made during a hearing before a Bench also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, after Attorney General R. Venkataramani mentioned the ongoing suo motu case dealing with victims of digital arrest fraud.
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During the proceedings, the Attorney General informed the Court about the progress being made in tackling the issue and requested that the matter be listed for further hearing on May 12. He stated, “Meeting have taken place. We are moving very fast,” indicating that authorities are actively working on solutions.
Taking note of the situation, the CJI referred to a recent case involving an elderly woman who lost her entire retirement savings due to such a scam. Highlighting the seriousness of the issue, he said,
“Unfortunately, her entire retiral benefit has been duped,”
drawing attention to how devastating these frauds can be, especially for vulnerable individuals.
The Court also heard concerns from an advocate, who pointed out that such incidents continue to occur despite the Supreme Court already taking cognisance of the issue through a suo motu case. Reacting to this, the CJI remarked,
“It is shocking that well-educated people are getting duped like this,”
underlining the alarming scale and reach of these scams.
The Bench agreed to list the matter for hearing on May 12.
Digital arrest scams have emerged as a dangerous form of cybercrime in India. In such cases, fraudsters impersonate police officers, court officials, or government authorities through video or audio calls. They create fear by falsely accusing victims of legal violations and then pressure them into transferring money, effectively holding them in a state of psychological “custody.”
Earlier, on February 9, the Supreme Court had taken a stern view of the situation, describing the siphoning of over ₹54,000 crore through such frauds as equivalent to “robbery or dacoity.” The Court directed the Central Government to prepare a Standard Operating Procedure (SoP) in consultation with key stakeholders like the Reserve Bank of India, banks, and the Department of Telecommunications to effectively combat these crimes.
The apex court also emphasized that banks must act proactively in identifying and preventing cyber fraud. It directed the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to identify digital arrest cases and asked state governments, including Delhi and Gujarat, to grant necessary sanctions for investigation.
Further, the Court instructed authorities such as the RBI and the Department of Telecommunications to work together on a framework to ensure compensation for victims of such scams.
The Attorney General informed the Court that the RBI has already drafted an SoP for banks. This includes provisions allowing banks to place temporary debit holds on suspicious transactions to prevent further loss in cases of cyber fraud.
The Supreme Court also directed the Ministry of Home Affairs to formally adopt this SoP and ensure its implementation nationwide.
In an earlier hearing on December 1, the Court had ordered the CBI to conduct a unified pan-India investigation into digital arrest cases. It also questioned the RBI on why advanced technologies like artificial intelligence were not being used to trace and freeze bank accounts involved in such fraudulent activities.
The case continues to highlight the urgent need for stronger safeguards, better awareness, and coordinated action among institutions to protect citizens from increasingly sophisticated cyber scams.
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