Yamunanagar Police have intensified public awareness efforts against cybercrime as part of a special campaign being observed throughout October as National Cyber Security Month. Under the directions of Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goel, the district police are conducting awareness activities from October 1 to October 31 to educate residents about online fraud and safer digital practices.

The campaign is being conducted not only in urban areas but also in villages and towns across the district. Police officials are reaching out directly to residents to explain common methods used by cyber fraudsters and to encourage people to exercise greater caution while making digital payments or sharing information online.

Police team conducts awareness drive at busy public locations

As part of the campaign, Inspector Ravindra Kumar, in-charge of the Cyber Crime Police Station, along with members of his staff, visited Yamunanagar bus stand and Meena Market on Thursday. The police team interacted with members of the public and explained the risks associated with different forms of cyber fraud.

Awareness pamphlets containing information on cybercrime prevention were also distributed among residents. Inspector Ravindra Kumar said cyber fraudsters were continuously adopting new methods to deceive people and that awareness remained an important line of defence against such crimes.

According to the police, fraudsters may contact people while posing as bank officials, police officers, relatives or representatives of companies. They may also attempt to deceive victims through fake links, fraudulent online shopping offers, fake investment schemes, social media account takeovers and messages asking users to update their KYC information.

Never share OTP, UPI PIN or confidential banking details

The police team advised residents never to share an OTP, ATM or debit card details, UPI PIN, passwords or other confidential banking information with unknown persons. Residents were also advised to avoid clicking on suspicious links received through messages, emails or social media platforms.

Police further cautioned people against downloading applications at the request of unknown callers. Residents were asked to verify the identity and purpose of any request before carrying out an online transaction or providing access to personal information.

Particular emphasis was also placed on social media safety. People were advised to remain cautious while interacting with unknown persons online and not to share personal information, photographs or other sensitive material with strangers.

Immediate reporting can improve chances of stopping fraudulent transactions

Police urged anyone who becomes a victim of cyber fraud not to panic or delay reporting the incident. Residents were advised to immediately inform the police and register a complaint through the national cybercrime helpline number 1930.

The police said timely reporting can improve the possibility of taking action to stop or trace fraudulent transactions. Quick communication with the authorities can therefore be particularly important when money has been transferred through digital channels.

Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goel said awareness is one of the most effective tools in preventing cybercrime. He said the objective of the district-wide campaign is to take practical cyber safety information to as many people as possible so that residents can recognise warning signs and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

He also appealed to residents to not only remain alert themselves but also educate family members, friends and people in their neighbourhood about basic cyber safety precautions. The police said collective awareness and responsible digital behaviour can play an important role in reducing the risk of online fraud.