Students most at risk’: Cybercrime experts warn at cyber security awareness meet

Visakhapatnam: Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), India’s largest non-banking financial company (NBFC) in the private sector, and part of Bajaj Finserv, held a cyber fraud awareness programme here 'Knockout Digital Fraud' to inform digital users about different types of threats, and best practices to safeguard finances.

Among others, A. Parthasarathy, Inspector of Police, Law and Order, Gajuwaka; K Srinivas Rao, Inspector of Police, Crime, Gajuwaka and Ravi Kishore, Sub Inspector of Police, Cyber Crime attended.

The speakers threw light on various kinds of frauds prevalent in and around Vizag. The audience were informed about frauds relating to fake OTP, phishing, digital arrest, financial loan, pension and other frauds.

Addressing students at the cyber fraud awareness event held at TSR and TBK Degree and PG College in Gajuwaka, Srinivas Rao, said, “online fraud is rising alarmingly, with students being the most frequent victims.”

He also highlighted how lost mobile phones—nearly 500 of which have been recovered—are often misused to carry out digital scams. “If you misplace your mobile phone, report it immediately to the nearest police station to prevent misuse,” he urged.

Inspector Parthasarathy emphasized the growing threat of cybercrime, stating: "In today's digital age, one careless click on a fake link can hand over your entire phone data to cyber criminals—stay alert, stay informed."

The programme focused on drawing citizens’ attention to common financial frauds committed by scammers including fake social media accounts, WhatsApp groups and websites that mimic financial companies, falsely claiming affiliation and impersonating their employees.

A spokesperson from BFL, said, “the financial safety of our consumers is paramount to us. We are constantly issuing online and offline advisories, on social media platforms, as well as through on-ground interactions with citizens, encouraging everyone to be cyber safe.”