KOLKATA: Staying alert, avoiding instant responses to unknown callers, and never sharing banking or personal details are among the basic precautions citizens must follow to protect themselves from cyber frauds, a police officer said at an awareness programme in the city. Scams such as so-called “digital arrest” and fake investment schemes are costing people crores of rupees, but simple awareness can prevent many of these crimes.
This was the key message from Alok Kumar Bisoi of Baruipur cybercrime police station during an interactive session with residents of 4Sight Florence in Garia. The Digital Safety Townhall was organised by The Times of India as part of its #DontGetScammed initiative to help citizens stay safe online.
“There is nothing called a digital arrest,” Bisoi emphasised, warning residents against fraudsters who impersonate police or government officials to scare victims into transferring money. “Cybercrime is rising rapidly, and we regularly receive complaints from senior citizens who have been cheated of their life savings. Awareness and basic precautions can significantly reduce the risk,” he said.
Using video presentations and real-life examples, Bisoi explained how scammers often target elderly people by posing as bank officials, loan recovery agents, or even law enforcement personnel. “No bank will ever ask for personal or financial details over a phone call. Do not share any information with unknown callers and simply ignore such calls,” he advised.
He said cybercrime covers a wide range of offences, from online financial fraud to crimes committed through social media platforms. Warning about misuse of personal data, Bisoi urged people to secure their social media accounts. “Lock your Facebook and Instagram profiles. Fraudsters can access publicly available information and use it to commit crimes. Also, never download unknown apps for instant loans, no matter how attractive the offers seem,” he said.
During the session, residents raised questions about the safety of fixed deposit accounts and ways to protect bank accounts from hackers and scammers. Bisoi addressed their concerns and outlined preventive measures.
Arindam Lahiri, president of the 4Sight Florence Residents’ Welfare Association, thanked The Times of India for organising the event. “It was an informative and fruitful session. We learned a great deal about cybercrime and how to stay safe,” he said, adding that such awareness programmes should be held more frequently. “The precautions discussed today are important for everyone, especially the young and the elderly, to ensure no one falls prey to fraudsters.”
