NEW DELHI. Prime Minister Narendra Modi cautioned citizens against rising cases of digital fraud and so-called “digital arrest” scams, urging them to remain alert and protect their savings. Speaking during the 131st episode of his monthly radio programme Mann Ki Baat, he said that despite growing awareness, incidents of online financial fraud continue to be reported. The Prime Minister noted that senior citizens, businessmen and families saving for important needs such as education are often targeted by fraudsters posing as officials and seeking sensitive information. He stressed that people should not share personal or banking details with unknown callers.
Referring to the Know Your Customer (KYC) process, Mr Modi said that periodic KYC and re-KYC updates are necessary as services such as pensions, subsidies, insurance and UPI are linked to bank accounts. However, he warned citizens to complete KYC only through official bank branches, authorised apps or verified channels, and never share OTPs, Aadhaar numbers or account details through suspicious calls or links. He also advised people to change their passwords regularly as part of good cyber hygiene. Highlighting efforts to spread awareness, he mentioned that the Reserve Bank of India has launched a year-long financial literacy campaign to educate citizens about safe banking practices.
