Despite repeated awareness campaigns, incidents of cyber fraud continue to rise across the state of West Bengal. Common people are being cheated through mobile calls, malicious online links, compromised bank accounts and even fake job advertisements.
Rising cyber fraud in East Midnapore
Multiple complaints are being filed daily on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. As soon as fraud complaints are received, the concerned banks preliminarily freeze suspicious accounts in accordance with instructions from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre.
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According to district police sources, 141 cybercrime complaints have been lodged in East Midnapore up to the 18th of this month. The total amount allegedly defrauded is approximately one crore rupees. Based on these complaints, around 35 lakh rupees have been frozen in various bank accounts.
Accounts frozen after complaints filed
District Acting Police Superintendent Mitun Kumar Dey stated that whenever a complaint is filed on the National Cyber Crime Portal, the bank account where the money is first transferred is immediately frozen. If the investigation later establishes that the account holder is innocent, the account is promptly cleared. This process is completed through court orders or a police No Objection Certificate.
He explained that victims are mainly trapped through call centres, individuals posing as bank officials, fake job links or fraudulent online offers. The stolen money is then routed through multiple accounts, making it difficult to trace the actual culprits.
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Authorities urge public vigilance
Officials at the cybercrime police station are currently examining each complaint and taking necessary action. At the same time, the police administration has urged residents to remain cautious.
People have been advised not to answer calls from unknown numbers or click on suspicious links, not to share personal or bank-related information with anyone, and to immediately file complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal if they suspect fraud. Awareness campaigns are also being conducted in schools through Swayamsiddha programmes and local fairs to educate citizens about cyber safety.
