Pratapgarh Police recover over 6.96 lakh from cyber fraud victims across 27 cases

Pratapgarh Cyber Police has successfully recovered over ₹6.96 lakh for victims in 27 separate cyber fraud cases, marking a significant achievement in the district's ongoing fight against online crime. The recovered amount, which was fraudulently obtained through UPI transactions, internet banking, and credit card fraud, has been returned to the victims' bank accounts following coordinated efforts by the district cyber cell and cyber crime police station.

The recovery operation was conducted under the supervision of the Superintendent of Police, Pratapgarh, as part of a sustained cyber crime control campaign. The cyber nodal officer, Additional Superintendent of Police (East), and the assistant nodal officer, Assistant Superintendent of Police, Raniganj jurisdiction, led the investigation team that examined complaints received through the NCRP portal and direct applications from victims. Through effective coordination with banks and other financial institutions, the police managed to trace and return a total of ₹6,96,939.66 to the defrauded individuals.

According to police sources, victims were primarily targeted through UPI scams, internet banking fraud, credit card fraud, and various other online deception methods. The affected individuals expressed their gratitude to the police officers and the cyber cell team after receiving their money back.

Pratapgarh Police has issued a public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against cyber fraud. The advisory specifically warns people against clicking on unknown links, QR codes, or APK files, and strongly advises never to share sensitive information such as OTPs, UPI PINs, CVV numbers, or banking passwords with anyone.

The police have further cautioned citizens not to transfer money under pressure from fraudsters claiming to offer KYC updates, electricity bill payments, SIM deactivation warnings, or threats of digital arrest. Authorities have directed anyone who falls victim to cyber fraud to immediately call the helpline number 1930 and register a complaint on the official portal cybercrime.gov.in for prompt action.