Miscellaneous articles on Cyber-Crime, Plagiarism, Insurance & CISCO Certificate
Educating People to Avoid Cyber Frauds: Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Introduction
Digitalisation has transformed India’s education ecosystem — from online classrooms to fee payments and digital learning platforms. However, this progress has also opened new vulnerabilities to cyber fraud. Students, homemakers, senior citizens, and less-educated youth are especially at risk. In India’s journey toward Digital India, ensuring cyber awareness must become an essential part of Education for All. This aligns with the vision discussed in related articles on this website, such as AI in Education: Empowering Teachers and Learners in India’s Quest for Equity.
In today’s interconnected world, the maxim holds true:
“Prevention is better than cure — in cyberspace as much as in health.”
Understanding Cyber Frauds
Cyber frauds involve deceptive online practices that steal personal data or money. Common examples include:
- Digital Arrest scams
- OTP and KYC frauds
- Phishing emails or messages
- Online shopping or investment frauds
- Remote access or screen-sharing scams
These attacks thrive on human trust and fear, targeting those least aware of digital threats.
Digital Arrest: A Modern Fear Tactic
What It Is
In a digital arrest scam, criminals impersonate law enforcement officers — such as the CBI, Cyber Cell, or Police — and claim that your phone number, parcel, or account is linked to a criminal case. Victims are coerced to transfer money or share personal data to “avoid arrest,” sometimes kept on continuous video calls to build fear.
Vulnerable Groups
| Category | Why Targeted |
|---|---|
| Housewives | Alone at home; likely to trust authority. |
| Senior Citizens | Less familiar with digital verification; fear official pressure. |
| Students | Frequent online users; unaware of fraud patterns. |
| Teachers / Education Workers | Publicly available contact details. |
| Less-Educated Youth | Limited cyber safety awareness. |
Prevention
- No government agency conducts “video arrests.”
- Hang up immediately and report to the Cyber Helpline 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in.
- Verify with your local police station or official helpline.
- Never send documents, selfies, or money to unknown contacts.
The OTP Scam: One-Time Password, Lifetime Loss
An OTP (One-Time Password) is a code used for verification. Fraudsters call or message pretending to be from banks or telecom companies and trick victims into sharing it. Once shared, they gain access to your accounts or funds.
Do’s and Don’ts
| Do’s | Don’ts |
|---|---|
| Verify messages through official bank helplines. | Never share OTPs, PINs, or CVVs with anyone. |
| Report frauds at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930. | Don’t click unverified links or install unknown apps. |
| Use only official apps from Play Store or App Store. | Don’t allow screen-sharing through AnyDesk or similar apps. |
| Enable two-factor authentication on accounts. | Ignore messages offering rewards or creating panic. |
For educators and learners who rely on digital platforms, such awareness is crucial. For instance, the article
AI in Education: Managing Student Records in the SDMS Drop Box System illustrates how responsible digital practices ensure both efficiency and safety.
Cyber Awareness in Educational Settings
Schools and colleges can serve as hubs for cyber awareness by:
- Integrating digital safety modules into ICT or computer classes.
- Organizing awareness sessions with local police or cyber experts.
- Displaying the Helpline 1930 prominently in classrooms and offices.
- Training Student Cyber Ambassadors to promote safe online behavior.
- Conducting Cyber Safety Weeks and parent awareness drives.
Steps to Prevent Cyber Frauds
- Pause Before You Click: Always verify before sharing information.
- Secure Your Devices: Keep systems updated with antivirus protection.
- Avoid Public Wi-Fi for transactions or sensitive activity.
- Use Strong Passwords and change them periodically.
- Educate Others: Encourage children to teach parents and grandparents.
- Report Immediately: Early reporting helps recover lost funds.
Reporting a Cyber Fraud
- National Cyber Helpline: 1930 (24×7, toll-free)
- Official Reporting Portal: https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Contact your bank to freeze affected accounts.
- Keep evidence — screenshots, messages, and call logs — safely stored.
Review and Educational Implications
Reports from the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C) indicate that over 70% of online frauds result from social engineering – manipulating users into revealing information. To counter this, cyber safety must be integrated into school and community education, echoing the goals of NEP 2020 for digital inclusion and responsible citizenship.
Concluding Observations
India’s digital transformation must go hand in hand with digital awareness. Whether through digital arrest scams, OTP traps, or phishing, fraudsters exploit fear and ignorance. Awareness, calmness, and timely reporting are our best defenses.
Let educators, students, and families together make cyber safety a part of lifelong learning.
As we move towards a digital future:
“Cyber vigilance is the new literacy — and prevention is always better than cure.”
