India's Supreme Court Astonished by 'Digital Arrest' Scams, Advises Throwing the Phone at a Wall

India's Supreme Court has expressed astonishment at the growing number of cyber fraud cases carried out in the name of 'digital arrest'. On Thursday, the top court questioned how, in a democratic state, anyone could believe that they were being arrested through a single mobile phone call.

A bench led by Justice Surya Kant asked how even educated people are falling victim to such fraud despite awareness campaigns, media reports and court directions. The three-member bench also included Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V Mohana.

The court had taken up the 'digital arrest' fraud issue on its own initiative. Senior lawyer and amicus curiae N S Nappinai told the court that, despite multifaceted efforts to stop this kind of fraud, such incidents keep happening.

The amicus curiae cited a recent case in which a woman was allegedly cheated out of two and a half crore rupees through such a fraud. She said that even after the central government submitted a status report on March 30, incidents of 'digital arrest' have continued to rise.

Chief Justice Surya Kant asked why people still fall into the trap set by fraudsters despite constant media coverage and awareness activities. He remarked: 'We are shocked — why do people not understand? What exactly is the victims' problem? Are they not ordinary people with common sense? The media is reporting on this all the time!'

He added: 'How can anyone in a democratic state believe that they are being arrested through a single mobile phone call? Rather, throw the mobile phone at the wall — the fear of arrest will vanish in a moment.'

The amicus curiae told the court that the fear of arrest puts victims under severe mental pressure. According to some psychologists, this state is much like hypnosis, and that is precisely why people fall victim to the fraud even when they are aware of the risk, she noted.

Expressing concern, the Chief Justice said it is deeply worrying that even educated people are falling victim to such fraud. He advised that the authenticity of any court order can be checked on the official website of the court concerned.