- Mass awareness campaign by Bajaj Finance and Rajkot Cyber Police highlights the crucial 60-minute “Golden Hour”
- Gives key helplines (1930 & 112), and smart safety habits to protect citizens from fast-rising digital financial crimes
- Cyber safety begins with awareness, strengthens with quick reporting, and succeeds with teamwork between citizens and police: Rajkot Cyber Police
NE LEGAL BUREAU
RAJKOT, OCT 8
With online scams growing into a major social menace, the Rajkot Cyber Police, in association with Bajaj Finance Ltd (BFL), launched an impactful digital safety initiative — ‘Knockout Digital Fraud’ — aimed at empowering citizens across age groups to safeguard their finances and personal data. The awareness programme, part of Bajaj Finance’s 100-city nationwide cyber safety campaign, drew an enthusiastic response from students, professionals, and community members.
The drive aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s 2024 Fraud Risk Management guidelines, which stress citizen awareness, timely detection, and coordination between financial institutions and law enforcement.
Addressing the gathering, J.M. Kaila, Police Inspector, Cyber Police, Rajkot City, said: “Cyber frauds have become a dangerous social epidemic, and the only vaccine is alertness. Always verify unknown links, messages, and calls — and never share OTPs or personal details. The ‘Golden Hour’ — the first 60 minutes after realizing a fraud — is critical. Call the National Cyber Helpline 1930 immediately. If you also dial 112, the police can act instantly to freeze suspicious transactions and trace culprits. Reporting within that hour gives victims nearly a 90% chance of fund recovery.”
He urged citizens to “Think Before You Click” and report even minor incidents without hesitation.
A spokesperson from Bajaj Finance Ltd added: “The financial safety of consumers is paramount to us. Through ‘Knockout Digital Fraud,’ we’re empowering every citizen — from rural users to digital-first professionals — to recognize, report, and resist cyber threats. Along with our advisories on social media and ground campaigns, we’re working closely with law enforcement to make India’s digital ecosystem safer.”
The Rajkot event featured interactive sessions with PSI Vegad, Achalsharan Patel, Manish Gayakwad, Prasen Patel, and Ghanshyam Shingala, along with participation from college students and educators of Harivandra College. Real-world examples of phishing, loan app scams, job frauds, and social media impersonation were discussed, showing how vigilance and quick reporting can make the difference between loss and recovery.
Participants were advised to follow five key safety rules:
- Never share OTPs, CVV, or PINs.
- Avoid clicking on suspicious links or QR codes.
- Use official websites and verified payment apps only.
- Enable two-factor authentication and use strong passwords.
- Report fraud immediately through 1930, 112, or the cybercrime portal.
How to Report a Cybercrime or Get Immediate Police Help
- Cyber Helpline (National): 📞 1930 — For reporting financial cyber frauds (24×7)
- Police Emergency Helpline: 📞 112 — For instant police assistance to block transactions or alert local cyber cells
- Online Complaint Portal: 🌐 www.cybercrime.gov.in
- Local Police Station or District Cyber Cell — Visit in person for follow-up and FIR registration
The ‘Knockout Digital Fraud’ campaign is set to expand across multiple Gujarat cities and beyond, creating a network of alert citizens who can detect, deter, and defeat cybercriminals.
“Cyber safety begins with awareness, strengthens with quick reporting, and succeeds with teamwork between citizens and police,” said the Rajkot Cyber Police, urging people to “Stop. Think. Act.” before scammers strike.
