Cyber Awareness Drive Conducted at GH7 Society, Crossing Republik – ACP Priya Shripal and SHO Sarita Malik Lead Community Outreach
Ghaziabad : In a commendable effort to combat the rising wave of cyber frauds, the Ghaziabad police conducted a Cyber Awareness Campaign at GH7 Society, Crossing Republik. The initiative was led by ACP Priya Shripal, SHO Sarita Malik, and members of the dedicated Cyber Crime Unit, who addressed residents on the evolving landscape of digital scams and how to safeguard against them.
The campaign saw enthusiastic participation from the residents of the society, including senior citizens, working professionals, and teenagers, who are often prime targets for cybercriminals.
Keeping Pace with Digital Crimes
ACP Priya Shripal, addressing the gathering, highlighted the increasing sophistication of cyber frauds, which now go beyond traditional phishing or lottery scams. She cited recent cases involving:
- Fake job offers
- Online marketplace scams
- OTP and QR code frauds
- Impersonation on WhatsApp and social media
- Fraudulent links in the name of electricity bills and fast-tag verifications
“The cybercriminals are no longer working in isolation. Most frauds are part of larger, organized networks that exploit public ignorance. Awareness is the most powerful defense,” said ACP Shripal, urging residents to verify unknown links, refrain from sharing OTPs, and report suspicious activity immediately.
SHO Sarita Malik: Awareness is Prevention
SHO Sarita Malik reinforced that cybercrime doesn’t discriminate. “Whether you’re educated, tech-savvy, or financially aware, anyone can be tricked if they’re not cautious online,” she said. She encouraged residents to adopt basic digital hygiene like:
- Using strong, unique passwords
- Activating two-factor authentication
- Avoiding public Wi-Fi for financial transactions
- Regularly updating devices and apps
- Not responding to unknown calls claiming to be bank or government officials
She also emphasized the need to educate children and senior citizens, who are increasingly falling prey to emotional and manipulative scams.
Demonstration & Live Interaction
The cyber staff gave a live demonstration of how scammers typically operate, from the first phishing message to the final withdrawal. They also shared emergency helpline numbers, such as the 1930 cyber fraud helpline, and how to lodge complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
Residents appreciated the initiative and asked relevant questions about recovering money, reporting frauds, and legal actions. Several participants also volunteered to be part of a proposed “Digital Safety Ambassador” network within the society, to spread awareness further.
A Model for Other Societies
The cyber awareness session at GH7 is part of a larger initiative by Ghaziabad Police to conduct proactive outreach in residential areas, schools, and corporate hubs. As digital transactions continue to grow, such initiatives aim to ensure that digital empowerment doesn’t come at the cost of digital vulnerability.
ACP Shripal concluded the session by urging all present to be vigilant, not fearful, and treat cyber security as seriously as physical safety.
