Cybercrime helpline 1930 and warnings to avoid online fraud are heard so often that people are now getting bored of them. Banks, phone companies, news channels, and social media are all over with cyber fraud alerts, due to which people are more worried about warnings than fraud. Now the situation has become such that it is difficult to differentiate between real calls and scams—every message is suspicious, every call is suspicious! People have become so cautious that even when they need help, they first ask for an Aadhaar card and PAN number from those who ask for help.
Sometimes it seems that if someone has to spy for a secret agency, they should make messages like “Beware of cybercrime” the background music. Every time we open our phones, TVs, bank messages, or social media, the 1930 helpline and cyber fraud warnings come in front of us. There comes a time when the mind says, “Brother, now we must have started recognizing scammers ourselves!” Nowadays cybercrime has become so common that every day thousands of people are falling prey to some kind of online fraud. To stop this, the government started the 1930 cybercrime helpline so that people can complain about the fraud immediately after it happens and try to get their money back. But the problem is that this helpline and cybersecurity warnings are being repeated so many times that some people have started finding it “ear-irritating.” Banks, phone companies, social media, and news channels—everywhere alerts are coming to avoid cyber fraud.
Are people starting to ignore it? Helplines or radio stations?
“There has been a suspicious transaction from your account…” If you start hearing this line even in your dreams, then you are not alone! Cybersecurity awareness has increased so much that now people are more worried about warnings than fraud. Banks: “Attention! If anyone asks for your OTP, do not give it to them!” Phone companies: “Avoid cybercrime. Call 1930.” News channels: “Today we will tell you how a new method of cyber fraud can cheat you!” WhatsApp groups: “Read this: a man clicked on the link, and his bank balance disappeared!” Now the situation has become such that “even if a real call comes, there is a doubt whether it is a scam or not.” Some people have heard these warnings so many times that now they do not take them seriously. Many times people assume that “nothing will happen to me” and start being careless. In some cases, despite repeated warnings, people fall prey to fake calls or messages.
But why are cyber frauds on the rise? When even the defenses seem suspicious
Nowadays, due to cyber vigilance, the art of trusting is also ending. If a friend really asks for money, the mind says, “It seems like a scam; first make a video call!” If a relative asks for OTP, the answer comes, “Send Aadhaar card first!” Not only this, many times people call 1930 to verify their identity! “Bhaiya, I am real, not a scammer!” Misuse of technology: As digital payments and online banking have increased, cyber thugs have also become smarter. Social engineering fraud: Fraudsters take advantage of people’s emotions and habits and cheat them. Such as fake job offers, lotteries, KYC updates, etc. Many people do not think before clicking on the link or sharing the OTP.
So what should be done?
What is the solution?
1930 is important, but don’t make it a “study book.” Make people aware in a fun way—make memes, do stand-up comedy, don’t tell in a robotic voice! Don’t take every alert seriously, but don’t click on every link either. Maintain a balance; otherwise, either your ears or your pocket will get hurt. Don’t fear a “scam” every time, but be cautious. Otherwise, one day someone will really need help and ask for it, and you will say, First send your Aadhaar card and PAN number!” So the next time someone mentions “1930,” don’t be afraid—but adopt it wisely. Otherwise, forget about cyber fraud; you will become a victim of a fraud of trust! Don’t take the 1930 helpline lightly: this number can help you save your hard-earned money.
Follow cyber security rules; do not click on unknown links. Do not share your bank details or OTP with anyone. Do not trust calls from unknown numbers. Make people around you aware, especially the elderly and those with less knowledge of technology; give them information about avoiding cyber fraud. If you get cheated, do not panic: immediately call 1930 and register a complaint. The sooner you complain, the greater the chances of getting your money back.
No matter how many times cyber security warnings are given, they are not enough. If people feel bored of hearing it again and again, then it can be a sign that the way of spreading awareness should be made more interesting. For example, people should be made aware through funny videos, memes, and infographics so that they do not get bored and remain alert.
The writer is a Research Scholar in Political Science, Poet, freelance journalist, and columnist
