UP Police Chief Issues Stern Warning on Digital Arrest Scams and Cyber Fraud
In a crucial address aimed at bolstering cyber awareness, Uttar Pradesh Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna has issued a stark warning to citizens about the escalating threat of "digital arrest" scams, fraudulent investment schemes, and deceptive social media traps. Speaking via video conference at a one-day cyber awareness workshop in Etawah, Krishna emphasized that fear, greed, and negligence are the primary weapons exploited by cybercriminals to target unsuspecting individuals.
The Post-Pandemic Digital Shift and Rising Cybercrime
Krishna highlighted how the rapid digital transformation following the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally altered daily life and criminal activities. "After Covid, nearly 70-80% of citizens adopted digital payments as part of their routine. Mobile banking, UPI, and online transactions became essential. However, as convenience increased, so did the incidence of cybercrime," he stated. This shift has created a fertile ground for fraudsters to exploit the growing reliance on digital platforms.
Financial Fraud Dominates Cybercrime Complaints
The police chief revealed alarming statistics, noting that 55-60% of cybercrime complaints in Uttar Pradesh are directly related to financial fraud. Criminals employ a variety of tactics to deceive victims, including:
- Promises of doubling money through fake investment schemes
- Fraudulent trading applications that siphon funds
- Bogus lottery win notifications
- Impersonation calls pretending to be officials from agencies like the police, CBI, ED, or Income Tax Department
Krishna categorically denied the legitimacy of digital arrests, asserting, "No government agency in India conducts arrests through video calls or demands money to settle cases. If someone calls you claiming you are under 'digital arrest', disconnect immediately." He further noted that even highly educated professionals have fallen victim, transferring lakhs of rupees under the intense psychological pressure orchestrated by scammers.
Additional Cyber Threats and Preventive Measures
Beyond financial scams, Krishna cautioned against several other digital dangers. He advised citizens to avoid:
- Clicking on unknown links sent via messages or emails
- Downloading suspicious APK files from unverified sources
- Opening digital wedding invitations or courier messages from unfamiliar numbers
He also identified excessive social media use and online gaming addiction as emerging social challenges, urging parents to actively monitor their children's digital behavior and screen time to mitigate risks.
Immediate Action and the Golden Hour
In the event of suspected fraud, Krishna appealed to citizens to immediately contact the national cyber helpline at 1930. He explained that the Government of India's integrated cyber response system enables banks and Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) to swiftly freeze suspicious accounts. "The golden hour is critical. If you report within minutes, the chances of freezing and recovering money increase significantly," he emphasized, underscoring the importance of prompt reporting to maximize the likelihood of financial recovery.
The workshop, which brought together students, teachers, professionals, and police officers, served as a vital platform to disseminate these crucial insights and foster a more cyber-aware community in Uttar Pradesh.
