India has intensified its efforts to combat cybercrime, including the emerging threat of digital arrest scams, through a combination of policy measures, technological innovations, and public awareness campaigns. The government is implementing a coordinated and proactive strategy to protect citizens and businesses from the rising menace of cybercriminals impersonating law enforcement and other authorities.
To address the growing challenge, the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has been established as a central office to oversee and manage all cybercrime-related issues in the country. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to tackling cyber threats comprehensively while supporting states and union territories in their fight against these crimes.
Recognizing the importance of public awareness in curbing cyber fraud, the government has launched an extensive campaign to educate citizens about digital arrest scams. The efforts include advertisements in newspapers, announcements in Delhi Metro stations, outreach through social media influencers, and collaborations with Prasar Bharati and other electronic media. Special programs on All India Radio and participation in events like the Raahgiri function in Connaught Place, New Delhi, have further amplified the message. The Prime Minister also used the October 2024 episode of his Mann Ki Baat program to caution citizens about these scams and encourage vigilance.
As part of the public awareness initiative, a caller tune campaign was launched in collaboration with the Department of Telecommunications. This innovative approach promotes the cybercrime helpline number 1930 and the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Available in regional languages, the caller tune is broadcast multiple times a day to reach a wide audience. Additionally, the coordination center has identified and blocked over 3,962 Skype IDs and 83,668 WhatsApp accounts that were linked to digital arrest scams.
The government has also issued advisories to inform the public about the tactics used by cybercriminals impersonating agencies such as the Narcotics Control Bureau, Central Bureau of Investigation, Reserve Bank of India, and other law enforcement organizations. To curb international spoofed calls misrepresenting Indian mobile numbers, a system has been devised to identify and block such fraudulent calls. Telecom service providers have been directed to enforce these measures, enhancing the country’s defense against telecommunication fraud.
A significant development in this fight is the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, which serves as a central platform for citizens to report cybercrimes, with a particular focus on offenses targeting women and children. The portal facilitates the reporting of incidents, their conversion into First Information Reports, and subsequent legal action by relevant state and union territory law enforcement agencies.
The government has also launched the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System to enable immediate reporting of financial frauds and prevent fraudsters from siphoning funds. The initiative has proven remarkably effective, saving more than $525 million across 1.33 million complaints since its launch in 2021. Citizens can report such crimes by calling the toll-free helpline number 1930, which offers quick assistance in filing cyber complaints.
The campaign to spread cybercrime awareness extends to SMS alerts, social media outreach through platforms like X, Facebook, Instagram, and Telegram, and digital displays at railway stations and airports. The Central Government has also engaged MyGov to disseminate information through multiple mediums and organized Cyber Safety and Security Awareness weeks in collaboration with states and union territories. Resources such as a handbook for adolescents and students have been published to educate young people about the dangers of cybercrime and how to stay safe online.
Further strengthening its cybercrime deterrence mechanisms, the government has blocked over 781,000 SIM cards and 208,469 IMEIs as reported by law enforcement agencies by the end of February 2025. These steps are part of a broader initiative to dismantle the infrastructure used by cybercriminals and enhance overall cyber safety.
India’s comprehensive response to cybercrime reflects the government’s dedication to safeguarding its citizens in the digital age. By combining advanced technological solutions, targeted public awareness campaigns, and robust enforcement mechanisms, the country is taking decisive steps to protect its people from the evolving threats of cybercrime and digital arrest scams. The coordinated efforts of various stakeholders ensure that India remains resilient in its fight against cybercriminals, fostering a safer and more secure digital environment for all.
