NEW DELHI, Apr 20: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday expressed concern over the rising cases of “digital arrest” scams, saying it is shocking that even well-educated people are being duped by fraudsters.
The CJI, heading a bench also comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi, referred to a recent case in which an elderly woman allegedly lost her entire retirement savings to cyber fraudsters.
The remarks came after Attorney General R Venkataramani mentioned the suo motu case on digital arrest scams before the court and informed that meetings had taken place and the matter was being progressed quickly. He urged the bench to list the matter for hearing on May 12.
The CJI, referring to the elderly victim, said her entire retiral benefits had been cheated, adding that such incidents were deeply concerning. He further observed that it was alarming how educated individuals were also falling prey to such frauds.
“Digital arrest” is a cybercrime technique where fraudsters impersonate police, court or government officials through calls and videos to intimidate victims and extort money.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had taken strong note of large-scale cyber frauds involving thousands of crores and directed the Centre to develop a standard operating procedure in consultation with stakeholders including the RBI, banks and the Department of Telecommunications.
The court has also asked agencies like the CBI to investigate such cases and directed coordinated efforts to curb the growing menace of cyber fraud in the country. (Agencies)
