A cyber awareness programme was organised in Bardhaman on Sunday to educate retired employees of the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) about rising cyber fraud cases.
The initiative was taken by the LIC Pensioners Association during its seventh biennial general conference. The programme aimed to inform retired employees, many of whom are unaware of new methods used by cyber criminals to cheat people online.
Organisers said several retired workers had already fallen victim to cyber fraud and lost money. Around 106 members attended the conference, which was held at the auditorium of LIC's Bardhaman Division office.
The event was inaugurated by educationist Sukriti Ghoshal.
Police hold cyber awareness session
The pensioners' association had requested the district police to organise a cyber awareness programme. In response, the district police sent four cyber specialist officers to conduct the session.
Among the officers present were Sourav Dutta and Abhijit Mukherjee, along with two other personnel.
During the session, police officers used PowerPoint slides and video presentations to explain common methods used in cyber crimes and how people can protect themselves from fraud. A cyber awareness van of the district police was also brought to the venue to assist with the demonstration.
The programme focused particularly on educating senior citizens, who are often targeted by cyber criminals.
Retired employees welcome initiative
On the occasion, female members of the association were also felicitated as part of the celebrations for International Women's Day.
Debasish Bhattacharya, general secretary of the association, said retired people often become easy targets for cyber fraudsters. He added that the detailed explanations provided by the district police during the programme would help members become more cautious and aware.
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Arka Banerjee, Additional Police Superintendent of Purba Bardhaman District, said the police had been taking several initiatives to prevent cyber crimes in the district. He stated that many retired individuals unknowingly fall into the traps set by fraudsters, and the police were trying to spread awareness so that people do not lose their hard-earned savings.
Police officials said such awareness drives would continue to help citizens stay alert against cyber fraud.
