MAHABUBNAGAR: On the occasion of Cyber Jaagrookta Diwas, a special awareness programme on cybercrimes was organised at the Government Girls Junior College in Mahabubnagar on Wednesday, jointly by the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) and the Mahabubnagar District Police. District Superintendent of Police D. Janaki, IPS, attended the programme as the chief guest and educated students about various forms of cybercrime and preventive measures. Addressing the students, the SP said that cybercrimes were increasing alongside the growing use of the internet and social media in the present digital era. She particularly cautioned women students to remain extremely vigilant while interacting with strangers on online platforms. She explained that cybercriminals often target young women by establishing contact through social media, gaining their trust in the name of friendship, and collecting their personal details, photographs and videos. They subsequently misuse or morph these images and videos and threaten to make them public to extort money. She also warned students about fake social media profiles, love-related frauds, video-call blackmail, fake job offers, online gaming scams and fraudulent links used by cybercriminals to trap unsuspecting victims. The SP advised students not to share personal photographs, videos, phone numbers, residential addresses or other sensitive information with strangers. She urged them to secure their social media accounts with strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication. She also cautioned them against clicking on suspicious links or sharing OTPs, bank account details and UPI PINs with anyone. If anyone threatens them online or sends obscene or inappropriate messages, they should not panic or remain silent but immediately inform their parents, teachers or the police. Immediate Action Is Crucial in Cyber Financial Frauds The SP emphasised that the first hour after a cyber financial fraud is extremely crucial and is considered the ‘Golden Hour’. Victims should immediately call the cybercrime helpline number 1930 without any delay and register a complaint. They can also lodge complaints through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in. Prompt reporting increases the possibility of freezing the money transferred to the fraudsters’ bank accounts and preventing further financial losses. During the programme, awareness posters explaining different types of cybercrimes, preventive measures and the steps to be taken when faced with online fraud were displayed and explained to the students. The SP encouraged students to enhance their awareness of cyber threats and spread the message among their family members and friends to help prevent cybercrime. DSP Venkateshwarlu, Cyber Crime DSP Giri Kumar, Two Town Police Inspector Ijazuddin, Women Police Station Inspector Krishnaiah, the college principal, police officials and staff members participated in the programme. Around 2,300 girl students attended the awareness session.
