Cyber fraud losses in Kalaburagi reach ₹58 crore, police officer says

Cybercrimes have caused a financial loss of around ₹58 crore in Kalaburagi, compared with about ₹2 crore lost to conventional crimes, Circle Inspector of Police in the Cyber Crime Police Station Raghavendra said.

Raghavendra was speaking at a cybercrime awareness programme organised by the Kalyana Karnataka Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KKCCI) in Kalaburagi on Thursday. The programme was organised to educate businesspeople and the public about online fraud and ways to protect themselves.

Businesspeople, employees and retirees at risk

Raghavendra cited the case of a retired government employee who lost ₹1.8 crore to cyber fraud. He said businesspeople, serving government employees and retirees were all vulnerable to such scams.

He cautioned that tracing online fraudsters and recovering money lost to them was difficult. Because of that, he said preventive measures were essential.

Raghavendra warned people against fake investment applications and WhatsApp and Telegram groups that promise unusually high returns. Fraudsters often initially display profits to gain the confidence of victims.

When victims try to withdraw the money, the fraudsters demand additional payments, describing them as taxes or fees, he said. People should not fall for such offers or share their one-time passwords (OTPs), PINs or passwords with anyone, Raghavendra said.

Police impersonation and digital arrest scams

The police officer also cautioned people against so-called digital arrest scams. In such cases, fraudsters impersonate police personnel or officials of other government departments, level false allegations and demand money.

Raghavendra clarified that there was no legal provision for digital arrest in India. He urged people not to panic or transfer money in response to such calls.

Caution over social media and suspicious links

Raghavendra also warned against fraud linked to social media. He advised people not to share personal information, private photographs or videos online.

He asked people to remain cautious about fake accounts and strangers. If someone threatens to circulate private photographs or videos and demands money, victims should preserve the evidence and file a complaint instead of paying the blackmailer, he said.

“Don’t open suspicious links received in the name of wedding invitations, electricity bills, vehicle traffic challans or bank messages,” Raghavendra said. He warned that installing unknown Android Package Kit (APK) files on mobile phones could expose personal information and put bank accounts at risk.

He urged victims of cyber financial fraud to inform their banks immediately, call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 and lodge a complaint through the cybercrime portal at cybercrime.gov.in.

“Prompt reporting can improve the chances of preventing further transfer of money,” he said. Victims should preserve transaction details, Unique Transaction Reference (UTR) numbers, screenshots, phone numbers and messages as evidence, Raghavendra said.

KKCCI president Sharanabasappa M. Pappa presided over the programme and welcomed the participants. KKCCI honorary secretary Shivaraj V. Inginshetty and subcommittee chairman for civil and consumer affairs Sandeep V. Mishra were present.

Source: The Hindu