Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Dec 19: Despite continuous awareness initiatives undertaken by the police department to curb the increasing number of cybercrime cases, the efforts have not been able to bring the situation under control. What has become a major topic of discussion in the public sphere is that educated individuals, more than the uneducated, are increasingly falling prey to cyber fraud.

Senior police officials express concern that lacs and even crores of rupees are being lost daily by well-educated victims in the rising number of cybercrime incidents coming to light. In recent days, cyber fraudsters have been relentlessly targeting customers’ bank accounts, using various forms of technology to trap people in fraud schemes. Cases involving the theft of Aadhaar details and fingerprints, followed by unauthorized withdrawals from bank accounts, have become a major challenge for the police department.

In today’s modern age, nearly everyone’s Aadhaar number and bank account are linked to their mobile number. Cybercriminals are misusing these linked mobile numbers and biometric systems to easily siphon off money from bank accounts. To avail various government services, citizens are required to provide Aadhaar numbers and fingerprints. Fingerprints are also collected during mobile SIM purchases. It has become alarming that fingerprint data given by citizens at public service centres, banks and other establishments may be leaking and ending up in the hands of cyber fraudsters.

In some cases, fraudsters directly hack Aadhaar data to steal from bank accounts. Cyber experts warn that Aadhaar biometric data is extremely confidential, and if hacked, it could lead to not only financial loss but also compromise personal information.

Fingerprints are our unique identity. Cyber fraud is evolving rapidly, taking new forms every day. With advancing technology, people’s personal information has become vulnerable, creating serious risks. Cyber experts emphasize that the public must remain alert and aware to protect themselves from such crimes.

Information related to cyber fraud is disseminated at the police station level, and awareness is also spread through social media. People are advised to remain cautious. Calls related to Aadhaar or fingerprint verification should be ignored, and no call or message lacking clarity should be responded to. The department continues to create awareness, but the public must also exercise self-awareness and vigilance, said Mangaluru city police commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy.

To protect oneself from cyber fraud, one can lock his or her Aadhaar biometrics through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app and unlock it only when required. It is important to regularly monitor one’s bank account transactions and avoid clicking on suspicious calls or links. One must also be cautious while giving fingerprints at cyber centres or photocopy shops when making Aadhaar card copies. Never share OTPs or Aadhaar details with others. If any fraudulent activity is noticed, it should be reported immediately by calling the cyber helpline 1930.