PANAJI
The Cyber Crime Cell has reported a 33.2 per cent decline in cyber frauds from June to October compared to the January-May period of 2024. The analysis, shared by SP Rahul Gupta on Wednesday, attributed the decline to intensified awareness campaigns and prompt investigations.
He stated that the Cyber Cell also recorded a 242 per cent rise in transactions flagged and put on hold ‘indicating intensive awareness campaigns and swift investigations that led to a decline in fraud amounts and an increase in lien percentages.’
“Special teams have been formed to follow up on transactions with financial intermediaries, ensuring timely action to put transactions on hold and disrupt the flow of finances. The Cyber Cell has apprehended 45 individuals from various parts of the country, including Rajasthan, West Bengal, Kerala, Hyderabad, and Delhi, in cases registered with the Cyber Police Station. This highlights the complex and inter-state nature of cyber fraud networks,” Gupta said.
The Cyber Surakshit Goem campaign, spearheaded by the Cyber Cell, has played a significant role in reducing cybercrime. The initiative collaborates with panchayats, educational institutions and industries to promote cyber awareness. College students have been engaged as cyber volunteers, while extensive social media outreach has further enhanced public awareness.
The officer further warned of emerging methods of cyber fraud, one being ‘task-based frauds’, where victims are added to WhatsApp or Telegram groups and asked to perform tasks in exchange for money.
However, when it comes to withdrawing the money, they are asked to pay processing fees, resulting in fraud.
Another growing concern is WhatsApp hacking, where fraudsters gain access to victims’ accounts through phishing links or shared OTPs. Once compromised, these accounts are used to solicit money from the victims’ contacts under false pretexts. The Cyber Cell has raised awareness to protect one from such hacking.
Eight bank managers have been questioned in connection with such accounts to deter the opening of mule accounts in Goa.
