Kolkata: With a growing number of cyber frauds where senior citizens are falling prey – a random estimate by Kolkata Police last year found that over 60% of all digital arrest fraud victims were senior citizens – the cops are worried. Thus, special cyber awareness programmes have been launched to inform them.But from now on, there will be a change in how such campaigns are run. The Kolkata Police will now ensure that Kolkatans, especially senior citizens and women, receive enough information on how to report a cyber crime as much as they are informed about the do’s and don’ts that will ensure they do not fall victim to such a crime.The effort began two weeks ago from the Gariahat police. “Around 60 Pronam senior citizens participated in a cyber crime awareness programme organized under Gariahat Police Station. The session covered digital arrest, APK, investment, banking/UPI, social media, and hotel booking frauds along with cyber hygiene, safe online practices, and importantly, cybercrime reporting. An interactive Q&A session and distribution of cyber safety leaflets further strengthened awareness. If you become a victim of cyber fraud, call 1930 or report it at http://cybercrime.gov.in,” the Kolkata Police tweeted.On Sunday, the Durga Suraksha Squad patrolled the roads of Netaji Nagar PS and reached out to local residents through interactive awareness sessions at Narkel Bagan More and Ganguly Bagan More. The sessions brought together local women and residents, senior officers, representatives of Cyber PS and the Women Police, and personnel of the Durga Suraksha Squad. The community was sensitised on staying alert against cyber fraud, accessing cyber help desks and women help desks at the PS level, and seeking timely assistance whenever needed. “From the streets to the community—Kolkata Police is building awareness, strengthening trust and taking women’s safety closer to every doorstep,” the cops wrote on Facebook.The programme comes in the backdrop of the Lalbazar brass finding out that not everywhere was aware of the processes required to lodge a complaint. “The first few hours are especially important. While many get confused if they need to visit a police station, others are confused about the documents they need to submit. Hence, our effort to sensitize the senior citizens on this aspect,” said an officer.According to cyber cell officials, the brass wants cyber awareness to reach even those who mostly stay at home. “The hot summer season will see a lot of senior citizens not venturing out and a stronger reliance on technology to cut short multiple errands. We will make announcements and distribute pamphlets. All police stations – and not just cyber cells – will be part of this programme,” said another senior officer.The Kolkata Police advisory states that in cases of financial fraud where money has been stolen, citizens need to immediately dial the 24/7 National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930.“Reporting the crime within the first “Golden Hour” drastically increases the likelihood of freezing the fraudulent transaction and recovering the lost funds. Victims should keep their bank or wallet names, the 12-digit UTR or Transaction ID, the exact amount, and transaction dates ready before calling, and should notify their banks to flag the activity. For general cyber offenses like hacking or social media crimes, residents can register complaints online via the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal by authenticating their mobile number through an OTP. Alternatively, the Kolkata Police Cyber Crime Branch can be contacted directly for help. The victims then must lodge a complaint at their local police station and ensure that local police inform the divisional cyber cell. There is no need to rush to Lalbazar cyber cell each time,” said a cop.
