Punjab Inaugurates National Cybercrime Helpline Call Centre to Assist Fraud Victims

The Punjab Director General of Police, Gaurav Yadav, recently launched a call centre for the national cybercrime helpline and introduced a chatbot to assist fraud victims. During the inauguration, he tested the helpline by calling 1930 and spoke with a call centre executive to understand its operations.

Cyber helpline 1930 is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs' system for reporting and managing financial cyber frauds. It allows victims to freeze funds in suspects' accounts immediately after lodging a complaint. This helpline has been active in Punjab since September 2021.

Cybercrime Reporting Enhancements

DGP Yadav highlighted that these innovations will improve cybercrime reporting and expedite the resolution of financial fraud cases. The Cyber Mittar Chatbot offers instant information access and round-the-clock assistance, ensuring confidential reporting to safeguard citizens' details.

The chatbot can be accessed via cybercrime.punjabpolice.gov.in. It provides several advantages, including 24/7 support, enabling citizens to report issues at their convenience rather than being restricted to police station hours.

Impact and Success Rate

Since its inception, 26,625 complaints about various cyber frauds have been reported on the 1930 helpline and National Cybercrime Reporting Portal in Punjab. The Cybercrime Cell has been proactive in freezing or lien marking funds moved out of victims' accounts by cyber fraudsters, achieving a success rate of 17% in 2024.

According to DGP Yadav, Rs 57 crore belonging to victims have been lien marked in the bank accounts of suspected fraudsters. This initiative demonstrates the commitment to tackling cybercrime effectively and protecting citizens from financial losses.

The introduction of these tools marks a significant step forward in combating cybercrime in Punjab. By providing accessible resources and swift responses, authorities aim to enhance public trust and ensure a safer digital environment for all residents.