Cyber Frauds: Simple Three-Point Golden Rule

: Educated youth should act as ambassadors in disseminating cybersecurity-related information at the community level.

This encouragement was made at the national cyber crime security awareness program organized by Bapatla district SP Uma Maheshwar at Bapatla Women Engineering College on Friday.

Emphasizing the necessity of awareness starting from the student stage, SP explained that there is a rapid transition from traditional crimes to technological crimes. He noted that mobile phones have become an important tool for criminals who exploit users through fraudulent links, betting apps and fake investment offers.

He explained that “digital arrest” has no legal basis and advised people not to be deceived by fake “officers” asking for money. He stated that victims of online fraud should immediately call 1930 to have their complaints redressed.

SP offered a simple three-point golden rule for preventing cyber scams: think before you click, be careful before sharing, and protect personal information.

He urged people to avoid unsafe loans and betting apps that collect personal data and put users in financial distress. He also highlighted the increasing incidents of UPI scams, phishing links and data theft via social media.

SP urged citizens not to share OTPs or passwords and create strong passwords with two-step verification.

Students took a commitment to cybersecurity on the internet. Besides students and staff, college president Srinivasa Rao, joint secretary Venkaiah Chowdary, principal G Srinivasa Rao, DSP Ramanjaneyulu and cyber cell inspector T Srikanth attended the programme.