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KHORDHA, Aug. 22: With cyber frauds increasingly becoming a serious threat to people across age groups, Khordha Police has intensified its cyber safety awareness drive by taking the message of digital security directly to educational institutions.As
part of the statewide Cyber Safety Awareness Campaign launched on the directions of the Director General of Police, Odisha, a detailed awareness programme was organised at Chaturbhuj Government High School in Sampur, Bolagarh. Around 130 students, besides teaching and non-teaching staff, participated in the programme and were sensitised to the growing menace of cybercrime and ways to protect themselves from online deception.
The programme was organised under the direction of Khordha Superintendent of Police Parmar Smit Parshottamdas, DSP, R. N. Bhanja, Inspector Dhirendranath Mallick and other personnel of the CC & EO Police Station, Khordha, conducted the awareness session.
The police officials used the programme to caution students and teachers about the changing nature of cybercrime and the sophisticated methods adopted by fraudsters to trap unsuspecting victims. They explained that cybercriminals often exploit people’s curiosity, fear, greed or lack of awareness to gain access to personal information, mobile devices and financial accounts.
During the session, participants were briefed about several common forms of cyber fraud, including malicious APK-based frauds, fake government or other schemes, fraudulent investment offers, digital arrest scams and online financial fraud. The officials also explained how seemingly attractive online offers, unknown applications, suspicious links and unsolicited messages can be used by criminals to deceive victims.The police stressed that greater awareness and caution are the first line of defence against cybercrime. Students were advised not to click on unknown or suspicious links, download applications from unverified sources, disclose passwords or confidential banking details, or share personal information with strangers through social media or messaging platforms.
Particular emphasis was laid on the simple but important principle of “Stop, Think and Verify”. Participants were advised to pause before responding to suspicious calls or messages and independently verify the authenticity of any request involving personal information or money.The officials also drew attention to the growing threat of digital arrest frauds, in which criminals allegedly impersonate police officers or other government officials and threaten victims with arrest or legal action unless money is transferred. Participants were cautioned not to panic or make payments in response to such threats.The awareness session also focused on online banking and financial transactions. Participants were advised to remain extremely cautious while using digital payment platforms and banking services and never to share confidential banking credentials, OTPs, PINs or other sensitive information with anyone.The police further explained what a victim should do immediately after discovering a cyber fraud. Participants were advised to preserve relevant evidence such as messages, screenshots, transaction details and other digital records, inform their bank or financial institution without delay and report the incident immediately through the national Cyber Crime Helpline Number 1930.The
interactive nature of the programme enabled students and teachers to raise questions and clarify their doubts regarding online safety. The participants actively engaged with the police officials and expressed their appreciation for the initiative, describing the session as useful in understanding the risks associated with increasing dependence on digital technology.
Khordha Police has appealed to the general public to remain alert and cautious while using digital platforms and to share cyber safety information with family members, friends and the wider community. Police officials emphasised that awareness among young people is particularly important as students are among the most active users of smartphones, social media and online services.The
Sampur programme forms part of Khordha Police’s wider effort to strengthen public awareness about cybercrime. Police sources said similar awareness programmes would be conducted at different educational institutions across Khordha district in the coming days.The
campaign seeks to build a culture of responsible digital behaviour among students and members of the public and ensure that people do not fall prey to cybercriminals through avoidable mistakes or lack of awareness.
Khordha Police’s message to the public remains clear: Stop before you click, think before you respond, and verify before you trust.
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