Trichy Police Launch Awareness Drive Against 'Digital Arrest' Scams Targeting Senior Citizens
In a proactive move to combat the rising tide of cyber crimes, the Trichy district police organized a comprehensive awareness program in Thiruverumbur on Tuesday. The event specifically targeted senior citizens, who are increasingly falling victim to sophisticated online scams.
Deceptive Tactics of 'Digital Arrest' Scammers Exposed
Additional Superintendent of Police S Krishnan highlighted a particularly alarming trend: scammers are now using advanced techniques to impersonate law enforcement officers. These fraudsters create fake video backgrounds and manipulate details to appear legitimate, threatening victims with 'digital arrest' to extort money or sensitive information. Krishnan emphasized that real police never conduct such operations over phone or video calls.
Practical Advice from Cyber Crime Experts
The program, attended by approximately 100 people—mostly elderly residents—featured detailed guidance from cyber crime unit officials:
- Sub-inspector R. Arunraj stressed immediate action if a mobile phone is lost: "Block your device instantly through the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) to prevent misuse of your personal data."
- SI N Murali warned against downloading suspicious files or clicking on dubious links, especially from pornographic sites, which can lead to phone hacking and data theft.
- Cyber crime constable I Lawrence advised caution when encountering online offers for items at unrealistically low prices, noting these are often fronts for financial fraud.
Bank Officials Reinforce Financial Safety Measures
Representatives from major banks provided crucial insights into protecting financial assets:
- City Union Bank manager R Santhosh Kumar cautioned against transferring money to accounts linked to prize announcements or lottery wins, which are common scam tactics.
- SBI manager M Gowthaman reiterated the importance of never sharing one-time passwords (OTPs) with anyone, as banks never ask for these details.
- Bank of Baroda senior manager M. Vivek and retired BHEL general manager I Kamalakannan also shared practical tips on recognizing and avoiding financial traps online.
Broader Warnings on Investment and Link Scams
SI N Murali addressed another prevalent issue: "Many individuals are lured by flashy advertisements promising enormous returns on digital investments. These schemes often result in losses ranging from thousands to lakhs of rupees. Staying alert and skeptical is key." The officials collectively urged participants to verify any unsolicited communication and report suspicious activities to the cyber crime unit immediately.
The awareness drive was conducted under the directives of Superintendent of Police S Selvanagarathinam, reflecting the police department's commitment to safeguarding vulnerable citizens from evolving cyber threats. The collaboration with bank officials ensured a holistic approach to both digital and financial security.
