Surat : With digital financial fraud and cyber scams witnessing growing concern across the country, Surat Police has urged citizens to remain alert and cautious while using digital platforms and conducting online transactions. The message was highlighted during Bajaj Finance Limited’s “Knockout Digital Fraud” awareness campaign in Surat, aimed at strengthening public awareness about common cyber threats and financial frauds.
The awareness initiative, conducted by Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL), India’s largest private-sector NBFC and part of Bajaj Finserv, focuses on educating citizens about emerging digital fraud techniques and encouraging them to adopt safer online practices.Cybercriminals are increasingly using methods including loan scams, investment fraud, impersonation, digital arrest phishing, OTP fraud, fake job offers, phishing links and fraudulent social media accounts to deceive individuals and senior citizens.
Speaking at the “Knockout Digital Fraud” awareness initiative, PSI Krishna Asodariya, Surat Cyber Crime Team, urged citizens to “Think Before You Click” and stressed the importance of verifying unknown calls, messages and links before responding or sharing any information. “Cyber frauds are a growing social menace and users must be cautious while using digital platforms — careless sharing of personal information can be exploited by scammers. The ‘Golden Hour’ is critical: if victims report the fraud by calling 1930 within the first hour, there’s a 90% chance of recovering the lost money. Remember — the first 60 minutes are crucial,” she said.
Citizens were advised to remain particularly cautious when receiving unsolicited loan offers, investment opportunities, job offers or messages claiming to be from banks, financial institutions or government authorities. Fraudsters may use fake websites, social media profiles, WhatsApp groups and impersonation techniques to gain access to personal and financial information.
A Bajaj Finance spokesperson said, “At Bajaj Finance, safeguarding our customers from financial fraud remains a top priority. Through regular advisories across digital platforms, social media channels, and community outreach programmes, we strive to raise awareness about cyber threats and empower citizens to stay vigilant and cyber safe.”
Immediate Reporting Is Critical
The campaign also highlighted the importance of immediate reporting of digital and cyber financial frauds through the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930. Early reporting can help initiate the necessary response and improve the possibility of recovering fraudulent transactions.
Bajaj Finance Limited conducted more than 100 workshops across different parts of the country during the last financial year as part of its ongoing financial and cyber safety awareness initiatives. The programme aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s Fraud Risk Management guidelines for NBFCs and seeks to strengthen public awareness around digital safety. The campaign specifically highlighted frauds involving fake social media accounts, WhatsApp groups and fraudulent websites impersonating financial institutions and their employees.
Key Safety Message for Citizens
Citizens are encouraged to:
- Verify unknown links, calls and messages before responding.
- Never share OTPs, passwords, PINs or other confidential banking information.
- Be cautious of unsolicited loan and investment offers.
- Verify job offers received through social media or messaging platforms.
- Stay alert to impersonation and “digital arrest” scams.
- Report digital financial fraud immediately on 1930.
The initiative reinforces the message that awareness, caution and timely reporting can play a crucial role in preventing digital fraud and protecting citizens from financial losses.