A webinar on prevention of cybercrimes was organised by Press Information Bureau, Chennai on 28.10.2024. Cyber Crime analyst from Maharashtra Police, has said that online frauds worth Rs 2,160 crore have taken place so far this year and the public should be more vigilant and alert to avoid material losses due to such crimes.
He said 9,20,000 complaints have been received regarding these frauds. Of these, 70 per cent are related to investment fraud and KYC fraud. In the last five months, fraudulent transactions worth Rs 120 crore have taken place in connection with digital arrests, he said.
He alerted not to open any APK files on our mobile phones if they are attached, adding that there is a possibility of hacking when we open them. He also said that there are scams of offering prize money on fake matrimonial websites. He said that there are also fraudulent extortions through dating-related apps.
He further said that, OTP scams, QR code scams, frauds through WhatsApp, Telegram, online employment website scams are also taking place. He said that there are more than 120 types of online frauds, out of which about 20 types are more likely to take place.
He suggested the use of one mobile number for personal use and one for official usage to protect against online frauds. He said that financial transactions can be done on a personal mobile number. He highlighted that complaints can be registered on the website www.ceir.gov.in in case of mobile phones theft or missing. Complaints regarding online frauds can be filed through tollfree number 1930 or on the website www.cybercrime.gov.in. He added that there are no direct provisions of the law to deal with online frauds and cases can be registered under BNS sections 420 and 318.
He urged the public at all levels to be more vigilant and use devices safely to avoid falling prey to these scams. More than 50 journalists and employees of Press Information Bureau and Central Bureau of Communication participated and benefitted from the webinar.