Hyderabad: With cyber fraud cases becoming increasingly sophisticated, Hyderabad commissioner of police VC Sajjanar on Friday urged citizens to play an active role in protecting society from online scams, saying public awareness is the strongest defence against cybercriminals. He was speaking at the ‘Cyber Simba’ volunteer orientation programme held at the TG ICCC auditorium in Banjara Hills.The initiative, launched under the ‘Jagrut Hyderabad – Surakshit Hyderabad’ campaign by the Hyderabad police, aims to build a community network of volunteers to spread awareness on cyber safety. Addressing participants, Sajjanar urged citizens to use their WhatsApp groups to share cyber safety information rather than routine messages, and to actively alert others about emerging online frauds.Since its launch in Nov last year, the ‘Cyber Simba’ programme has seen strong participation, with 1,717 volunteers registering and conducting 5,118 door-to-door awareness drives, reaching nearly two lakh people. Police officials said such grassroots awareness campaigns are proving crucial in preventing cyber offences before they occur.The commissioner warned that cybercriminals are increasingly using tactics such as digital arrest scams and fake trading and investment schemes to target victims, including highly educated professionals and retired judges. He advised women and young people to remain cautious while interacting with strangers on social media platforms.Highlighting the importance of quick action after a cyber fraud, Sajjanar explained the concept of the ‘Golden Hour’, noting that reporting incidents immediately to the national cybercrime helpline 1930 improves the chances of recovering lost money. He also pointed to the ‘C-Mitra’ service, which allows victims to register an FIR online without visiting a police station.According to police data, rising public awareness has already begun to show results, with the number of daily cybercrime complaints dropping from about 80 to 60. Sajjanar expressed hope that the ‘Cyber Simba’ movement, aimed at making Hyderabad a cybercrime-free city, would eventually expand across the country.
