Cyber awareness drive urges public to report fraud quickly via Helpline 1930 and NCRP
Nizamabad: Commissioner of police P. Sai Chaitanya on Wednesday cautioned the public against the growing menace of cyber fraud, particularly fake stock trading and investment scams that lure victims with promises of high returns.
He was addressing a cyber awareness programme organised at Vijaya Rural Engineering College (VREC) under the state-wide campaign, 'Suraksha Ka Tiranga – Towards a Cyber-Independent Telangana', launched by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau to mark National Cyber Awareness Day.
Before inaugurating the programme, the Commissioner administered a cyber awareness pledge to students, faculty members and staff.
Sai Chaitanya said fraudsters use fake trading applications, fraudulent websites and WhatsApp and Telegram groups to attract victims with claims such as "100 per cent guaranteed returns", "daily profits", "insider tips" and "exclusive investment opportunities". They initially display fabricated profits before persuading victims to invest larger sums and later demand additional payments under the guise of GST, processing fees or account upgrade charges.
He warned that fraudsters also impersonate financial advisers and representatives of investment firms to collect money through entities lacking regulatory approval.
The commissioner urged victims of cyber fraud to immediately call the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or lodge complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, stating that prompt reporting significantly improves the chances of freezing fraudulently transferred funds.
He said the Telangana police are working in coordination with banks, financial institutions and other agencies to curb cyber crime but stressed that public awareness remains the most effective defence.
Calling upon citizens to follow the principles of 'Be Alert, Be Aware, Be Safe', he urged them to spread awareness on cyber safety among family members and the community.
Later, the Commissioner released cyber awareness posters and flagged off a rally to educate the public on cyber safety.
Nizamabad ACP B. Prakash Yadav, North Rural circle inspector Srinivas, Cyber Crime inspector Muqeed Pasha, Makloor SI Anil Kumar, Cyber Crime SIs Ravi Kumar and Pravalika, college principals Ganesh and Suresh, faculty members and students participated in the programme.
