State Legal Services Authority Launches Awareness Drive Against “Digital Arrest” Scams
The Voice of Chandigarh
The State Legal Services Authority, U.T. Chandigarh, under the aegis of Hon’ble Mr. Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India and Executive Chairman, National Legal Services Authority, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Deepak Sibal, Executive Chairman, State Legal Services Authority, U.T. Chandigarh, has launched an extensive public awareness campaign on “DIGITAL ARREST” scams.
The initiative aims to educate the general public especially the senior citizens and pensioners about emerging online frauds wherein cyber criminals impersonate as law enforcement or government officials to extort money through fear, deceit and intimidation. The awareness material explains in detail about the modus operandi of such scams, preventive measures to avoid victimization and the legal remedies available to affected individuals.
As part of this campaign, informational pamphlets and posters will be prominently displayed at locations with heavy to reasonable public footfall, including banks, hospitals, government offices, post offices, court complexes and other public institutions frequently visited by senior citizens, pensioners and general public. The objective is to ensure that crucial information on cyber safety and availability of legal assistance reaches the maximum number of citizens.
The pamphlet under the theme “Law Doesn’t Arrest Online : Protect Yourself and Your Loved Ones” emphasizes and informs that no genuine law enforcement or government agency ever demands money, personal details or compliance through phone calls, video calls or online communication. Citizens are advised to remain calm, avoid panic and promptly report such fraudulent activities to the National Cybercrime Helpline (1930) or the online portal cybercrime.gov.in.
In addition, the pamphlet highlights the availability of Free Legal Assistance and Advice through the NALSA Helpline Number 15100 where the Legal Advice is provided free of cost and the callers will be guided to the nearest Front Office manned by Retainer Lawyers at the Taluka/District/High Courts and the offices of Taluka/District/State Legal Services Authorities in all the States/Union Territories across the country. Those eligible under legal aid criteria will also be provided Free Legal Aid to safeguard their rights and interests. Further, the victims will be helped by pursuing their complaints in coordination with Cybercrime authorities.
This initiative reflects the continued commitment of the State Legal Services Authority, U.T. Chandigarh to empower citizens through awareness, legal literacy and access to justice, thereby ensuring that individuals especially senior citizens remain informed, vigilant and protected against such cyber crimes.
