Dhaba police teach Janata Vidyalaya students about cyber fraud, UPI scams and POCSO Act

Gondpipri: The use of the internet, online transactions and digital payments is growing steadily, making it essential for people to stay alert to cyber fraud. With this in mind, Dhaba police station held an awareness and guidance programme on cyber fraud, UPI scams and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act at Janata Vidyalaya, Dhaba.

The programme was held under the guidance of station house officer Virendra Kedare. Students were told why cyber security matters and were given information on the precautions needed to avoid online fraud.

Mobile phones and the internet have become part of everyday life. But cyber criminals misuse these very channels to defraud people financially. Fake links, false phone calls, messages sent by strangers and online transactions all carry the risk of being cheated. Students and all other citizens were therefore urged to take particular care while carrying out digital transactions.

Children should learn about the safe use of the internet while still at school. Students were told not to share personal information with strangers on social media, to stay away from suspicious messages and to learn to recognise the signs of online fraud.

Cyber criminals often win trust first and then cheat. The message given at the programme was not to trust any unknown person blindly and to check carefully before handing over money.

Along with cyber security, students were also told about the POCSO Act, which is meant for the protection of children. The emphasis was on preventing the sexual exploitation of children, understanding the importance of child safety, and speaking up against wrongdoing.

Students were asked not to hide any incident of abuse but to report it to their parents, teachers or the concerned agency. The initiative also conveyed that every section of society needs to be alert to ensure child safety.

The initiative was significant for strengthening communication between the police and citizens and for increasing legal awareness among students. Technical knowledge alone is not enough to guard against cyber crime. Awareness, caution and complaining at the right time are just as important.

Police personnel Shravan Kuttarmare, Dhanraj Sayam and Shilpa Abhare of Dhaba police station and teachers of Janata Vidyalaya, Dhaba, were present at the programme.

Awareness is the most effective way to curb cyber crime. Students were told to stay alert themselves and to caution their family members against online fraud as well.