Delhi Police on Tuesday cautioned people to stay alert against growing online scams, saying cybercriminals are using greed, deception and fear to trick innocent individuals. Speaking at a fraud awareness campaign held in Rohini, senior officers stressed that most cybercrimes can be stopped if people remain vigilant and practice “information distancing” while using online platforms.
The nationwide programme was organised jointly by Delhi Police and Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL) at the Tecnia Institute of Advanced Studies. The aim was to educate people on how fraudsters operate and how citizens can protect themselves while banking, shopping, or socialising online. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime and Railways) KPS Malhotra explained how these scams usually work. “Cybercriminals today primarily exploit three human weaknesses — greed, deception and fear,” he said.
“When people believe in offers that look too good to be true, they become victims of greed. When they trust someone posing as a bank official, an insurance agent, or even a police officer, they fall prey to deception. And when criminals act as authorities to create panic, fear pushes innocent people to reveal sensitive information.” Malhotra also pointed out how seemingly harmless actions online can be risky. “Even downloading forwarded Good Morning or Good Night images on WhatsApp can be used to steal banking details. People should avoid such downloads and remain cautious,” he warned.
In his keynote address, Assistant Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) H.S. Randhawa compared safe internet use to COVID-era precautions. “Just like we practiced social distancing during the pandemic, we must now practice information distancing in the digital world,” he said. He advised people to use different email IDs for personal, professional and social media purposes. He also suggested following simple measures like strong passwords, changing them regularly, enabling multi-factor authentication and verifying links before clicking.
Randhawa further guided people on reporting online fraud. Victims of cybercrime can use the official Government portal www.cybercrime.gov.in or call the financial fraud helpline number 1930. He also stressed that women can lodge complaints anonymously on the portal without any hesitation. Bajaj Finance Ltd, which partnered with Delhi Police for the initiative, said such programmes are part of its nationwide campaign on financial literacy and cyber fraud awareness. Officials said the message is simple: stay alert, avoid shortcuts, and practice safe online behaviour. With awareness and small precautions, individuals can protect both their data and
their money.
