Narendra Modi lauds Indian youths for helping elderly citizens to stay safe from cyber fraud

He appreciated the role played by youth to make the elderly a part of the digital revolution.

In his Mann Ki Baat address, the monthly audio broadcast, Modi said: "Youth are also coming forward to make the elderly a part of the digital revolution."

He said: "Mahesh from Bhopal has taught many elderly people of his locality to make payments through mobile. These elderly people had smart phones, but there was no one to tell them their correct usage. The youth have also come forward to save the elderly from the risk of Digital Arrest."

He said elderly people are most vulnerable to Digital Arrest and similar crimes.

"In such a situation, it is our responsibility to make them aware and help them stay safe from cyber fraud," Modi said.

"We have to explain to people again and again that there is no provision of digital arrest in the government; this is a blatant lie, a conspiracy to trap people," he said.

"I am happy that our young friends are participating in this work with full sensitivity and are motivating others as well," the Indian PM said.

Last month, in his radio address to the nation, Modi had cautioned the public about cybercriminals using 'digital arrests' to deceive people.

Emphasizing the seriousness of the issue, he urged citizens to adopt a 'wait, think, and take action' approach when faced with such scams.

The term "digital arrest" describes a cybercrime in which scammers impersonate law enforcement officials and threaten victims with arrest unless they pay a certain amount. Reports of this scam have been on the rise nationwide.