Amid a sharp increase in cybercrime cases across South Goa, the Margao Town Police have started a series of awareness sessions to help people identify and avoid online scams. Police officials said the initiative comes as the Margao Town Police Station is currently handling at least 5 cybercrime complaints every day.
PSI Sudesh Dessai said the campaign aims to educate the public about common online frauds and guide victims on the steps they should take after becoming targets. “We have been trying to create awareness among the public on how to prevent falling prey to fraud, and on the steps victims should take,” he said.
The awareness sessions are mainly being conducted for the general public, especially students and senior citizens, who are often targeted by cybercriminals.
One of the major scams highlighted during the sessions involves a malicious .APK file sent through WhatsApp. Fraudsters disguise the file as a traffic challan notification and encourage users to download it. Dessai warned, “If one opens the .APK file, the mobile phone gets compromised and all UPI apps get hacked, and one may lose money from their bank accounts.”
He clarified that genuine traffic challans are never sent through WhatsApp and advised citizens, “Don’t click on .APK files or any suspicious links.”
Police have also encouraged people to install the government-recognised M Kavach app, which scans smartphones for hidden malware and harmful applications and allows users to remove them.
To tackle nuisance or spam calls, residents have been advised to report suspicious numbers through the Sanchar Saathi portal. In cases of cyber fraud, victims should immediately call the national cyber helpline 1930 or file a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to improve the chances of quick action.
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