Falling Victim to Cybercrime is Due to Lack of Awareness and Fear, Say Kochi Cybercrime Police

KOCHI:
Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL)., India’s largest Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the private sector, and part of Bajaj Finserv, today held a cyber fraud awareness programme in Ernakulam- Knockout Digital Fraud – to inform digital users about different types of digital frauds, and best practices to safeguard finances.

More than 50 citizens were part of this awareness programme held at Mulavukad. The speaker informed the gathering various kinds of cyber frauds which are undertaken by cyber crooks. Distinguished dignitaries Assistant Sub-Inspector of Kochi Cyber Police Station Shyam Kumar V, Retd. Assistant Commissioner of Police, Kochi City, PM Varghese graced the event. The speakers touched upon various kinds of frauds prevalent in and around Ernakulam. The audience were informed about fake OTP fraud, Phishing Fraud, Digital Arrest, Financial Loan fraud, Pension scam and other frauds.

Giving a word of caution against rising cyber threats, Assistant Sub-Inspector Shyam Kumar V of the Kochi Cyber Police Station emphasized the importance of digital hygiene and public awareness. “Cybercrime thrives on fear and ignorance,” he warned, urging citizens to avoid randomly saving contact numbers. “Doing so can inadvertently expose your phone and WhatsApp status to fraudsters, putting your personal data at risk.”

He further encouraged citizens of cyber fraud to come forward without hesitation. “Timely reporting is critical. The first 24 hours after a cybercrime are crucial for tracking fraudsters and recovering lost funds,” he advised.

The Knockout Digital Fraud campaigns align with the Reserve Bank of India’s 2024 guidelines on Fraud Risk management for NBFCs, which emphasises early detection, staff accountability, and public engagement to make the digital ecosystem safer for everyone.

The programme is focused on drawing citizens’ attention to common financial frauds committed by scammers including fake social media accounts, WhatsApp groups and websites that mimic financial companies, falsely claiming affiliation and impersonating their employees.

Speaking on the occasion, BFL spokesperson said, “The financial safety of our consumers is paramount to us. We are constantly issuing online and offline advisories, on social media platforms, as well as through on-ground interactions with citizens, encouraging everyone to be cyber safe.”

Knockout Digital Fraud offers the cyber community valuable safety tips on safeguarding personal and sensitive information. This includes refraining from sharing OTPs, PINs, clicking on suspicious emails, SMSs, links, QR codes and downloading applications from unknown sources. It includes a series of interactive workshops, digital awareness drives, and community outreach programs across major cities and towns.