Online fraud cases are on the rise in the State. Since the Covid-19-induced lockdown necessitated online banking transactions, the fraudsters have encashed on the opportunity to dupe people.
In August, the State reported online frauds to the tune of Rs 1.28 crore. This was ascertained from the data released by the Cyber Help Desk of the Bhubaneswar Urban Police District (UPD).
The fraudsters managed to swindle more than Rs 64 lakh from capital city Bhubaneswar alone during the month. However, the officers of the Bhubaneswar UPD managed to refund or block Rs 9.21 lakh of the total amount. As per reports, the cyber cell has received a total of 475 complaints related to online fraud in August. Out of the total calls, 245 were received from Bhubaneswar while 230 from other parts of the State, said the Cyber Help Desk of Bhubaneswar UPD.
As many as 13 cases have been registered in June and 72 mobile numbers were blocked, informed the police.
Cyber experts said culprits exploit even educated people’s vulnerabilities with sweet offers and entreating calls and dupe them of money. Staying alert, not sharing bank details and avoiding friend requests are the key to stay safe.