Khammam Police Warn Against Online Frauds
The Commissioner of Police, Sunil Dutt, has urged people in Khammam to stay alert against social media and online frauds. He advised the public not to trust individuals or schemes that promise to double their investments in a short time. Investments, he emphasized, should only be made through proper channels like demat accounts. He also cautioned against clicking on links or taking phone calls from strangers.
If anyone falls victim to cyber fraud, they should report it immediately by calling 1930 or visiting the nearest police station within the “golden hour” (the first hour after the fraud). Acting quickly allows authorities to freeze the funds before they reach the cybercriminals’ accounts.
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Increase in Cybercrime Cases
Speaking about crime trends in 2023, the Commissioner revealed that the number of FIRs registered increased due to the inclusion of minor cases. He shared that individuals from Jharkhand were investigated for their involvement in online scams. He also praised the police force for their dedication in solving various cases, including those during this year’s flood season.
Cybercrimes in Khammam district have risen significantly. In 2023, 276 cases were registered, compared to 219 the previous year. Complaints filed with the cybercrime police station also increased from 1,332 last year to 2,148 this year—marking a 63% rise. Cybercriminals stole a staggering Rs. 34.92 crore this year, compared to Rs. 9.07 crore in 2022.
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Police Efforts to Curb Cybercrime
Despite the rise in cases, quick action by the victims and police led to significant recoveries. By responding within an hour of the fraud, the police managed to freeze Rs. 2.42 crore. An additional Rs. 52 lakh was successfully recovered. Most cybercrimes involved loan scams, investment frauds, and fake job offers. However, the number of such cases has declined to 35 this year.
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Efforts Against Drug Trafficking
Khammam police have also made progress in combating drug trafficking. This year, 384 kg of marijuana was seized, and an additional 855 kg, which was stored earlier, was destroyed. The Commissioner noted that increased vehicle inspections forced marijuana peddlers to change their routes, resulting in a decline in narcotics-related cases.
Overall, the police efforts, including round-the-clock vehicle checks, have significantly reduced illegal activities in the district.
