Dhanbad is stepping up efforts to protect residents from growing digital fraud, with the district police and administration launching a 5-day cyber safety awareness campaign aimed at reaching nearly 35 lakh people.
DC Aditya Ranjan said, “Public awareness was one of the most effective weapons against cybercrime.” He stressed the importance of educating students and families about new forms of digital fraud.
SSP Prabhat Kumar said, “The campaign’s primary objective is to prevent people from falling victim to cyber fraud.” Special sessions will be held in schools and colleges, while “night chaupals” will be organised in rural areas to explain emerging fraud methods and safety measures. People will be made aware of fake links, OTP fraud, online banking scams, digital arrest, social media crimes and other cyber threats.
A cyber awareness book covering 30 common methods used by cybercriminals was also launched. The content was prepared using FIRs registered in the district over the past year. Written in simple Hindi and English, the book uses cartoons and illustrations to make cyber safety information easier to understand, especially for children and first-time internet users.
Government schools will be encouraged to nominate a ‘Cyber Mitra’ to help students understand online safety. Students will also share cyber safety messages during morning assemblies. The administration plans to distribute the book to government and private schools and has sought support from the education department to take the material across Jharkhand.
The campaign will also cover villages, workplaces and public spaces. 2 LED-equipped vehicles have been deployed across different police station areas to screen cyber fraud awareness videos. Messages will also be displayed on hoardings and social media and shared through influencers. Multiplexes will screen cyber safety videos during all shows next month.
The SSP urged victims to report cybercrime immediately without hesitation or embarrassment.
Hundreds of students and teachers attended the launch and pledged to spread cyber safety messages among their families and communities. The campaign follows Dhanbad Police receiving a national “Excellence Award” from the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) for its cybercrime prevention work.
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