Rs 700 cr lost in fraud in Cyberabad: Mohanty

HYDERABAD: FedEx, digital arrests, investment frauds, and so on, have made people residing in Cyberabad limits lose around Rs 700 crore to cybercrime this year, said Cyberabad police.

The growing menace of cybercrime has led to major monetary losses. Officials have analysed lack of awareness as a major bottleneck in order to curb cybercrime. To make more people aware of the existence of cybercrime and to curb this menace, the Cyberabad police has launched a brand-new initiative - Project P.R.O.T.E.C.T - Preventing Risks Online Through Education, Collaboration, and Training.

The initiative is a collective effort made by the Cyberabad police and the Cyberabad police's special wing for creating awareness - the Society for Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC). The initiative aims to collaborate with the media, social media influencers, among others to create awareness 24/7. The volunteers of the programme would work from 6am in the morning to 12am in the night, while making sure to create awareness even among tea stall owners.

The launch of the project took place at the Cyberabad Commissioner of Police's office.

Speaking on the occasion, Cyberabad CP Avinash Mohanty said, “Every year, cybercrimes are compounding at an alarming rate, and our investigations and efforts must also compound proportionately to tackle this menace. With the launch of this initiative, we have the support of mainstream media, social media influencers, students, and the police. Their collective efforts in raising awareness about cybercrimes will be instrumental in educating the public and preventing these crimes.”

Speaking of how rampant digital arrests have become, the commissioner said, “One of the most concerning trends in cybercrimes we see is digital arrest – where people, out of fear, end up sharing their bank details and personal information with fraudsters. I urge everyone not to do that.”

The Commissioner further implored the public to use 1930 even if one falls for a scam, as the probability of money recovery increases. He further urged social media influencers to spread awareness about the same.

The mastermind behind the project P.R.O.T.E.C.T, DCP Cyber Crimes Sreebala stated that policing is not just a job but a responsibility. She emphasised that in most cybercrimes, people not only lose money but sometimes even their lives. "We need education, collaboration, and continuous training to combat these crimes effectively," she said. Furthermore, she clarified, "This is not merely an initiative; it is a project—Project P.R.O.T.E.C.T—designed to protect people from cyber threats,” and added, "The more you know about cybercrimes, the safer you will be."