ACP Najma Farooqui Urges Awareness on Cyber Fraud and Changing Crime Trends

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Mangaluru: Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Najma Farooqui stated that the nature of criminal activities is rapidly changing today, expressing concern over the alarming rate at which modern youth are getting involved in criminal acts such as drug abuse, cyber crime, and rape. She emphasized that numerous individuals have lost money and livelihoods due to online fraud, stressing the need for increased public awareness regarding the law, human rights, and citizens’ duties. She made these remarks as the chief guest at a special workshop on Human Rights, organized by Lions International District 317 D at Shantinilaya in Balmatta, Mangaluru, where she raised awareness among the students.

Highlighting the Surge in Digital Frauds
ACP Farooqui detailed the various methods of modern digital fraud. She highlighted the rise in crimes like cyber fraud, ‘digital arrest’ scams, blackmailing via social media, fraud in the name of UPI scans, creating fake social media accounts to demand money, morphing celebrity photos for extortion, using APK files for deception, and scams related to KYC/Aadhaar updates, and money-doubling schemes. She advised the public not to share OTPs or update KYC details when asked, and warned against paying money to anyone threatening them in the name of customs.

The Importance of the ‘Golden Hour’
The ACP clarified that the concept of “Digital Arrest” does not exist in India. She stressed that victims of digital fraud have a “Golden Hour” immediately after losing money, during which time calling the helpline number 1930 can increase the possibility of recovering the lost funds. However, she noted that the amount of money recovered from digital fraud cases this year is significantly less than the amount lost, urging citizens to remain personally vigilant and exercise self-caution.

Warning Against Drug Abuse and Criminality
ACP Farooqui also addressed the youth about the dangers of drug abuse, emphasizing that criminal acts committed out of curiosity are still considered crimes. She mentioned that Commissioner Sudhir Reddy is conducting random tests in colleges to create awareness and prevent students from becoming drug addicts. She encouraged students to inform the police if their friends are struggling with drug addiction so they can be helped. She concluded by urging the children to cultivate humanitarian values and administered an oath to the students, encouraging them to stay away from intoxicants.

Advocate Udayananda K., who delivered the keynote address, remarked that many wars in the world are caused by human rights violations. He quoted Einstein, saying if the third World War occurs, there will be no fourth, as the Earth would be destroyed, stressing the importance of developing human values despite creating destructive weapons. During the event, a book on human rights written by B. P. Achar was released, followed by a panel discussion, quiz competition, and prize distribution for college students. The program was inaugurated by District Governor Kudpi Aravind Shenoy, and Edwin Walter presided over the event.