Udupi Police Launch Cybercrime Awareness Campaign to Combat Digital Scams

Udupi, August 12, 2025 – In response to a surge in cybercrimes, Udupi district police have initiated a comprehensive awareness campaign to educate the public about various digital scams and frauds. The initiative aims to curb fraudulent activities such as digital arrests, fake share market apps, online job scams, fraudulent customer care numbers, loan app frauds, gift and lottery scams, and APK file-based frauds.

Common Cybercrime Tactics

1. Digital Arrests: Scammers impersonate officials from agencies like CBI, Customs, or police, contacting victims via phone or video calls. They intimidate victims by claiming illegal items like drugs or fake passports were found in a courier under their name, demanding money to resolve the issue. Police clarify that legitimate authorities do not conduct investigations via such calls.
2. Fake Share Market and Trading Apps: Fraudsters lure victims into investing through unregistered apps not recognized by RBI or SEBI. Using WhatsApp or Telegram groups, they trick users into downloading fake apps and transferring money to multiple bank accounts.
3. Online Job Scams: Scammers offer small payments for minor tasks to build trust, then pressure victims to invest larger sums, leading to financial losses.
4. Fake Customer Care Numbers: Fraudulent customer care numbers found on Google for apps like Google Pay or PhonePe trick users into sharing UPI pins or clicking malicious links, resulting in theft. Genuine customer care services do not request such information.
5. Fake Loan Apps: Scammers promise low-interest loans but demand advance payments. If refused, they threaten to misuse victims’ photos on social media. These institutes lack government authorization.
6. OLX Fraud: Scammers pose as Indian Army personnel, offering vehicles at low prices on platforms like OLX or Quikr. They demand advance payments and claim vehicles are at undisclosed locations, only to disappear after receiving funds.
7. Gift and Lottery Scams: Fraudsters entice victims with fake gift or lottery winnings, demanding advance payments to claim prizes.
8. APK File Fraud: Scammers send malicious APK files via WhatsApp, disguised as legitimate apps like PM Kisan, Arogya Bhagya, or banking services, to steal personal information.
9. Fake Online Gaming Apps: Promoted through celebrity ads or platforms like YouTube and TikTok, these apps promise quick earnings but lead to financial losses and frozen bank accounts.

Other Methods Used by Cybercriminals

• Suspicious Links: Clicking unknown links can lead to data theft and financial fraud.
• Fake Advertisements: Social media ads with enticing offers are used to steal money.
• Courier/Lottery Scams: Fraudsters claim victims have won cash or gifts via courier, demanding advance payments.
• Fake Helplines: Scammers exploit Google-listed helpline numbers or emails to steal information.
• Device Misuse: Sharing phones or laptops with strangers or charging at public stations risks data leaks.
• KYC Update Scams: Fake calls or messages requesting ATM or credit card details for KYC updates lead to theft.
• Electricity Bill Fraud: Fake apps for bill payments steal banking details.
• Attractive Messages: Tempting messages from unknown sources lead to financial losses.
• Social Media Friendship Scams: Fraudsters build relationships on platforms like Facebook or Instagram to steal data.
• ATM/Credit Card Fraud: Scammers posing as bank officials request card details for supposed renewals or activations.

Police Recommendations

• Avoid clicking on unknown links.
• Be cautious of fake advertisements and offers.
• Protect personal information in public spaces.
• Report suspected cybercrimes immediately to the cybercrime helpline (1930), file complaints at https://cybercrime.gov.in, or visit the nearest police station.
• Emergency helplines: Cybercrime – 1930, Police – 112.

Udupi police urge residents to stay vigilant and verify information to safeguard against the growing threat of cybercrimes.