Hyderabad: FedEx, digital arrests, investment fraud, and the like have caused people living in Cyberabad borders to lose around Rs 700 crore to cybercrime this year, Cyberabad police said.
The growing threat of cyber crime has led to huge monetary losses. Officials have analyzed lack of awareness as a major barrier to curbing cybercrime. To make more people aware of the existence of cyber crime and to curb this menace, Cyberabad Police has launched a brand new initiative – Project PROTECT – Preventing Risks Online Through Education, Collaboration, and Training.
The initiative is a collective effort by the Cyberabad Police and a special wing of the Cyberabad Police to create awareness – the Cyberabad Security Council (SCSC). The initiative aims to collaborate with media, social media influencers, etc. to create awareness 24/7. Volunteers of the program will work from 6 am to 12 pm, and also create awareness in tea shops.
The project was inaugurated at the Cyberabad Police Commissioner’s office.
Speaking on the occasion, Cyberabad CP Avinash Mohanty said, “Cyber crime is increasing at an alarming rate every year, and our investigations and efforts should also be proportionately mixed to tackle this menace. With the launch of this initiative, we have the support of mainstream media, social media influencers, students and the police. Their collective efforts to raise awareness about cybercrime will help educate the public and prevent these crimes.”
Speaking on how digital arrests are on the rise, the commissioner said, “The most worrying trend in cyber crimes that we have seen is digital arrests – where people share their bank details and personal information with fraudsters out of fear. I urge everyone not to do that.”
The Commissioner urged the general public to use 1930 even if they fall into fraud as the chances of getting money back are increasing. He also asked social media influencers to spread awareness about it.
Mastermind of the Protect project, DCP Cyber Crime Sribala said policing is not just a job but a responsibility. He emphasized that in most cyber crimes, people not only lose money but sometimes even lose their lives. “We need education, support and ongoing training to effectively combat these crimes,” she said. Furthermore, she clarified, “It’s not just an initiative; it’s a project—Project Protect—designed to protect people from cyber threats,” adding, “The more you know about cybercrime, the safer you’ll be.”