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Stay Alert, Stay Safe: Bihar Police’s Cyber Fraud Awareness Initiative Gets Big B’s Endorsement
Patna: Whether you are an active social media user or not, cyber fraudsters are constantly trying to trap unsuspecting victims and steal their money. Cyber fraud has become increasingly common, with fraudsters using various tactics to scam people. The only way to protect yourself is by staying alert and informed.
Cybercriminals impersonate police officers or judges to deceive victims. Nationwide, cyber fraud cases are on the rise, and Bihar is no exception. Fraudsters are scamming people through phone calls and online tricks. However, those who are aware are not falling into their traps. To combat this, Bihar Police is conducting an extensive awareness campaign across the state.
Bihar Police has identified five cybercrime hotspots—Patna, Sheikhpura, Nalanda, Nawada, and Jamui. A special cyber cell has been established under the Economic Offenses Unit (EOU), consisting of high-ranking officials, including IG, DIG, SP, DSP, and other police personnel. Additionally, four new cyber police stations are being set up in Patna, along with a 24/7 hi-tech call center and training center. The state is also preparing to create a dedicated cyber commando force, selecting 176 police officers with IT and technical degrees through a special exam.
According to Bihar Police, last year, 301 digital arrests were recorded, involving financial frauds worth nearly ₹10 crore. Fortunately, ₹1.6 crore was successfully recovered. Notably, Bihar ranks among the top five states in receiving and acting upon cybercrime-related calls in 2024.
With social media users increasing, fraudsters are expanding their operations under new guises. One such emerging term is “Digital Arresting.” Bihar Police warns citizens that digital arrests do not exist; it is merely a tactic to deceive people and extort money. Police officials or government authorities do not issue threats or demand money over phone calls.
To counter this scam, Bihar Police is utilizing content from ‘The Viral Fever’ (TVF), including the popular web series ‘Phulera Ke Cyber Crime,’ featuring actors Pankaj Jha and Amitabh Bachchan. These videos highlight how fraudsters operate and educate citizens on avoiding cyber scams. Pankaj Jha even shared an Instagram story supporting Bihar Police’s initiative.
Cybercriminals frequently target youth, especially social media users and individuals looking for investment opportunities. Thousands of fraudulent investment groups deceive people into believing they can double or triple their money quickly. Bihar Police’s social media monitoring center operates 24/7 to track such scams and protect residents from falling victim.
To raise awareness, Bihar Police regularly posts informative videos and text-based content. Recently, using ‘Phulera Ke Cyber Crime’ as a reference, they explained how investment scams operate and how to avoid them. The campaign received significant engagement, with Amitabh Bachchan and other influencers amplifying the message.
Due to its direct engagement with the public, Bihar Police’s social media presence is growing rapidly. Recently, their Facebook page surpassed 900,000 followers, making it the most followed government department in Bihar.
A dedicated team at Bihar Police headquarters monitors social media round-the-clock. Their efforts focus on identifying and taking action against fake accounts, misleading posts, and unlawful activities. They track individuals spreading misinformation, displaying weapons, or engaging in illegal online activities, ensuring prompt legal action against them.
Cybercriminals use multiple techniques to deceive people, including:
By staying vigilant and informed, citizens can protect themselves from falling victim to cyber fraud. Bihar Police’s proactive efforts and public awareness initiatives are proving to be a strong deterrent against cybercriminal activities in the state.