Citizens’ Alertness Can Help Prevent Digital Fraud: Pune Police Officer
Pune, 30th October 2026: Citizens can prevent many digital and financial frauds by exercising caution while using online platforms and reporting suspicious transactions promptly, a Pune Police officer said during a cyber safety awareness programme organised by Bajaj Finance Limited (BFL) at Yashwantrao Chavan Law College in Parvati, Pune.
The awareness programme, titled ‘Knockout Digital Fraud’, was organised as part of Bajaj Finance’s ongoing efforts to promote financial and cyber security awareness among the public. Bajaj Finance Limited is part of Bajaj Finserv and is one of India’s largest private-sector non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).
The initiative focused on common cyber threats, including phishing, fraudulent trading applications, malicious APK files, job and visa scams, part-time employment frauds, OTP scams, fake loan offers, investment frauds, digital arrest scams and fraudulent links circulated through social media and messaging platforms.
Experts highlighted the importance of protecting personal and banking information and urged citizens to exercise caution while conducting online transactions.
Speaking at the programme, Prasad Poddar, a Cyber Police Officer from the Parvati Cyber Cell, Pune, urged citizens to follow the principle of ‘Think Before You Click’ and verify unknown links, calls and messages before responding to them.
“Cyber frauds are a growing social menace, and users must be cautious while using digital platforms. Careless sharing of personal information can be exploited by scammers. The ‘Golden Hour’ is critical. If victims report the fraud by calling 1930 within the first hour, there is a 90% chance of recovering the lost money. Remember, the first 60 minutes are crucial,” he said.
A Bajaj Finance spokesperson said safeguarding customers against financial fraud remained a priority for the company.
“Through regular advisories across digital platforms and social media channels, as well as community outreach programmes, we strive to raise awareness about cyber threats and empower citizens to stay vigilant and cyber safe,” the spokesperson said.
Bajaj Finance Limited conducted more than 100 workshops across different parts of the country during the previous financial year. The initiative is aligned with the Reserve Bank of India’s Fraud Risk Management guidelines for NBFCs and aims to strengthen public awareness about digital safety.
The programme also highlighted frauds involving fake social media accounts, WhatsApp groups and fraudulent websites impersonating financial institutions and their employees to deceive customers.
The event was attended by Yashwantrao Chavan Law College Principal Nitin Chalwadi, retired ACP Sarjerao Babar, Yuvraj More from Bajaj Finance Limited, faculty members and students.
Citizens have been advised not to share OTPs, passwords or banking credentials with anyone and to report suspected cyber frauds immediately by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or filing a complaint through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Prompt reporting can help authorities initiate action to freeze fraudulent transactions and improve the chances of recovering lost money.
