The Times of India's #Don'tGetScammed initiative, a collaborative effort with the Tamil Nadu Police's cyber crime wing, successfully hosted a crucial cyber safety townhall at Rani Meyyammai Towers on Saturday. The event brought together a diverse group of residents, senior citizens, and working professionals to tackle the growing menace of online fraud through practical advice and shared experiences.
Common Scams and the Psychology of Fraud
Deputy Superintendent of Police Basil Srinivasan from the cyber crime wing outlined the most prevalent cyber scams currently plaguing Tamil Nadu. He detailed several sophisticated schemes designed to trick citizens. These include boss scams, where fraudsters impersonate senior officials to demand urgent money transfers, and digital arrest scams, where criminals pose as police or central agency officers to intimidate victims. Other widespread threats involve phishing links sent via SMS and messaging apps, fake job offers on platforms like LinkedIn, fraudulent traffic challan messages, and data theft via unsecured public Wi-Fi networks.
"Scammers thrive on panic and urgency. The moment you feel rushed or threatened, stop and think for a second. That's usually the first red flag," DSP Basil Srinivasan emphasized, highlighting the psychological tactics used by criminals.
Essential Protective Measures for Every User
Providing a clear action plan, DSP Basil stressed a fundamental rule: never engage with any file or message from an unknown source. He advised attendees to avoid clicking links or downloading attachments, regardless of how authentic they appear. Key protective steps include enabling two-factor authentication on all critical accounts, steering clear of public Wi-Fi for sensitive transactions, and never charging phones using random public cables or ports.
He also warned against common but dangerous habits. "Never save email IDs and net banking passwords on notes apps, take screenshots, or share them on WhatsApp chats. This is often an open invitation for cybercriminals," he cautioned. Regularly backing up data to a secure secondary device was also recommended as a vital safety net.
Interactive Session and Public Response
The townhall featured an interactive question-and-answer session where residents raised concerns about suspicious investment messages, repeated KYC update alerts, hacked social media accounts, and the correct steps to follow after a financial loss. DSP Basil addressed each query, explaining official reporting mechanisms, relevant government websites, and helpline numbers. He underscored that filing an early complaint significantly improves the chances of recovering lost funds.
The discussion reinforced a straightforward yet powerful message: staying informed, alert, and cautious is the strongest personal defence against the evolving landscape of cybercrime.
Voices from the Audience
Attendees praised the session for its practical and accessible approach. "We learned a lot of practical things that we can actually apply in our daily lives. The session explained how cyber fraud happens and what steps we can take to prevent it, especially ATM-related fraud," said A. Lalitha, a former microbiologist.
Rakhee Murtaza, an educator, shared, "I learned about the government website for reporting cybercrimes and the emergency helpline number. I was surprised to learn that even downloading a picture from an unknown source can lead to hacking."
Sankara Narayanan, a leadership coach, appreciated the jargon-free explanation. "I walked in thinking it would be very technical, but it was explained in an extremely simple way. The message was straightforward: as long as you don't click on links, you're safe."
