■ What initiatives have been taken by the police to educate people and reduce cyber fraud?
—Rakesh Sharma
Cyber fraud is a burning issue, and we are committed to educating the public to prevent it. Our analysis shows that 48% Victims of cyber fraud Everyone including IT professionals and private employees are well educated. Some of our initiatives to educate the public include conducting cyber crime awareness campaigns in educational institutions, government offices, community centers and public places to make people aware of common cyber threats and security measures.
We are also creating awareness about ongoing crimes on digital platforms, cyber hygiene and preventive measures through videos, posters and messages. We also share timely tips and alerts about current fraud trends, reaching out to a wide audience through digital and electronic media, social media and emails to corporates, government organisations and educational institutions.
■ Most of the online frauds and crimes are committed using SIM cards obtained with fake documents. What steps are being taken to tackle this problem? – Anurag Kalra
Yes, there have been several cases where fraudsters used SIM cards obtained with fake documents. Law enforcement agencies (LEAs) have addressed this issue along with telecom service providers, Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and Department of Telecommunications. Action was taken against SIM card retailers and distributors through police authorities and measures were implemented to strengthen KYC verification during SIM card sales.
With the coordinated efforts of LEAs, Ministry of Home Affairs and Department of Telecommunication, the issue has been resolved to a large extent. Recently, TGCSB busted a sophisticated cybercrime network, arresting three persons involved in illegal purchase and sale of SIM cards, whose organised operations spread across several Indian states and internationally to Dubai, Thailand and Cambodia.
Now, as it has become difficult to obtain SIM cards with fake documents, fraudsters are resorting to instant messaging accounts using fake mobile virtual numbers available on international websites, and communicating through calls and messages.
■ We are facing a financial crisis as my husband’s Rs 36 lakh has been withheld by two Mumbai-based trading companies. How will we get the money back? We are both senior citizens. -Beulah Benjamin
To get the money back, report the incident immediately to the cyber crime helpline 1930 or the cyber crime reporting portal www.cybercrime.gov.in. Taking prompt action within the shortest time i.e. the “golden hour” after the financial transaction greatly increases the chances of tracking and stopping your lost money within the banking channels.
The sooner you report, the greater the chances of getting your money back, as fraudsters move or withdraw money quickly through different accounts. If you have already reported the crime to 1930 or the police station, you can call 1930 for an update on the status of your case.
■ ₹50,000 was fraudulently withdrawn from my account on May 7, 2024. I lodged a complaint with the bank and the cyber security branch in Raidurg. The cyber security branch informed that the fraudsters had withdrawn the amount through an ATM in Kolkata. How can I get my money back? —V Harish
Since the money has been withdrawn by a fraudster, the police can try to identify the person through ATM footage, trace the fraudster, make an arrest, and recover the money.
■ I am a senior citizen. I lost about ₹2.25 lakh after receiving a message to update my KYC. I filed a complaint with the Cyber Security Bureau about seven months ago, but nothing has happened so far. Can you tell us why it is taking so long to resolve this matter? Cyber Crime Complaints—R.K. Mechanic
It’s true that cybercrimes often take longer to address than traditional crimes because of the anonymity of fraudsters. These crimes take place online in virtual space, and criminals often hide their tracks by masking IP addresses with VPNs, making it difficult to trace the origin of calls or messages.
Moreover, since the fraudsters have no physical presence, gathering clues becomes challenging. Many fraudsters use VPN services hosted outside the country, and obtaining information from foreign sources can be time-consuming.
■ Would it be possible to instruct banks not to process transactions they suspect might be fraudulent without seeking approval from the account holder? Such instructions could save people from being duped and losing their hard-earned money. -M Jagannatha Rao
Yes, banks have a fraud detection system in which they apply several rules to identify suspicious transactions. Banks also immediately alert customers and seek their confirmation for suspicious transactions. This issue was raised by TGCSB in meetings with bankers and RBI.
■ I lost ₹7.6 lakhs by falling into the trap of crypto investment. I was added to a WhatsApp group and forced to invest by promising high returns. Now, I have been removed from the group and my number has been blocked. I have no way to contact them. Can you suggest if this can be tracked and resolved? — Sadanandam S
Scammers often lure victims into an investment trap by promising high returns, known as “pig baiting.” They add you to groups that appear legitimate, creating a false sense of security. Once they win your trust and you invest, they block and disappear. This type of scam is done in hopes of quick profits, but it results in significant losses. While tracking these fraudsters can be challenging, authorities are working to locate and apprehend them. Recovery of funds Where possible, be cautious and avoid offers that seem too good to be true.
■ I was duped of ₹2.6 lakh by a stock trading company. They said my money would multiply in a few weeks, but they said I lost all my money in trading in 2 days. Would it be possible to block such companies so that people like me don’t foolishly fall into such traps? —Syed Babar
Such scams often promise quick returns but result in huge losses. The Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) is actively working to identify and block fraudulent sites. We constantly monitor and collaborate with the relevant authorities to take down fraudulent websites. It is important to check the authenticity of any investment app or website before investing money. Always report suspicious websites to www.cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930. Your vigilance helps save others from similar traps.
■ I have lost money through the Talaq Matrimony app. Fraudsters misled me saying my profile has been selected. What are my options here? —Parmeshwar Birajdar
Whenever you experience fraud, it is important to report the incident immediately at www.cybercrime.gov.in or by dialing 1930. Fraudsters have started using matrimonial and dating apps to mislead victims by creating fake profiles and false promises. Recovering money can be challenging but reporting the case within the “golden hour” increases the chances of stopping the transaction. To avoid future fraud, be wary of profiles that seem too good to be true, independently verify identities, and never share sensitive information or send money to individuals you have only met online.
■ I got a message on a messaging app for a part-time job and joined it. I was given tasks and was asked to pay upfront for doing some of them. Though they paid some money initially, I was duped of ₹17.5 lakh. Can you help me get my money back? -Yashodha
Such job scams are becoming increasingly common, where fraudsters lure victims with the promise of easy money. While the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) is committed to investigating such cases and recovering the money, success depends on various factors, including the speed of reporting and the ability to trace the culprits. We urge people to be cautious with any job offers that require upfront payment. Always confirm the legitimacy of such opportunities before you join them.
■ Many cases of fraud, rape and extortion are reported through dating apps. Are there any rules to control these apps? -Shekhar Singh
Fraudsters use fake profiles with attractive photos to lure people to connect with them via dating apps. Once connected, they start exploiting their partners in different ways – sexual or financial exploitation, extortion and emotional manipulation, etc. These apps often operate in multiple countries, each of which has different laws, complicating regulation.
■ Would it be possible to create a database of sexual offenders and make it public so that citizens can be alert and safe? – Srinivas Madhav
Law enforcement agencies maintain a database of sex offenders to aid investigations and identify repeat offenders. However, it is important to note that laws are designed to reform individuals involved in these crimes. Due to the corrective measures taken by the system, some offenders have been rehabilitated and are now leading normal lives. For this reason, it is neither possible nor expedient to publish the data of offenders.
■ Cybercriminals are always inventing new tricks to cheat people. What precautions should be taken to avoid falling into the trap and is there any new technology or cybercrime that we need to be aware of? -Venkat Rudra
It’s true, cybercriminals are constantly evolving their techniques to trick unsuspecting individuals. To avoid falling into their traps, use complex and unique passwords for each of your online accounts, be suspicious of unsolicited messages, be wary of phishing scams where attackers impersonate legitimate organizations to steal personal information, regularly check your bank and credit card statements for unauthorized transactions and report them.
■ I recently received a call from my own mobile number to the same number. How is this possible? Has my number been hacked? – Col. Dr. Sadashivam
This is a fake internet voice call. Many mobile applications provide caller ID spoofing capabilities. The caller can manipulate the caller ID to show a different number. In your case, the caller may have used your own number as a fake virtual number to hide his identity.
