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In light of the increasing incidents of cyber fraud, with numerous attempts and cases of digital arrests reported in recent weeks throughout Uttar Pradesh, police officials advocated on Tuesday (June 16, 2026) for a more standardized and intelligence-led response model, the swift blocking of accounts, and outreach to at-risk populations as safety measures to mitigate this threat.“Indeed, the risk of digital arrests and cyber crime is on the rise, as scammers contact individuals and falsely place them under digital arrest. Whole hybrid cyber scam networking is working at transnational level through syndicates. Given that AI voice and video spoofing is expected to escalate future risks, it is essential for individuals to conduct independent verification by contacting official police and bank helplines, rather than using the number from which they received the call,” said Vineet Singh, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP), in U.P. police.Mr. Singh called for the need of monthly cyber awareness campaign in every district. “Awareness in schools, colleges, banks, panchayats, Residential Welfare Associations (RWAs), markets and coaching centres, also awareness through local-language posters, radio messages and social media videos is necessary to reach out among a large section of population. Special campaigns for senior citizens and women like never share One Time Password (OTP) and “Call 1930 Immediately” campaigns can also help to nullify the challenge of cyber fraud networks,” he said.Mr. Singh further added, “For us maintaining a State-level threat intelligence database is important. Other than it, we have to identify repeat phone numbers, mule accounts, phishing domains and IP clusters. Coordinate with I4C for inter-state and international networks. Issue weekly advisories to districts. Maintain platform/bank/telecom nodal officer directory. Conduct cyber drills. Review district performance on 1930 response, fund-freezing success and case disposal. Prepare monthly hybrid cybercrime trend report,”.When asked how big it the threat from cyber crime syndicates, he added, “Hybrid cybercrime is a threat to the complete digital identity of citizens. Gmail, iCloud, WhatsApp, mobile numbers and social media accounts are now as sensitive as bank accounts. Once these are compromised, the victim may suffer financial loss, identity theft, blackmail, reputational damage and further targeting of family members.“Uttar Pradesh Police already has important cybercrime mechanisms, including cybercrime headquarters, district cyber units, the 1930 helpline, cybercrime.gov.in reporting and national I4C coordination. The next step should be to convert these mechanisms into a faster, more standardized and intelligence-led response model.”Mr. Singh further emphasised that the recommended approach is prevention through public awareness. “Respond quickly through 1930 and district cyber cells. Freeze funds through bank coordination.Trace networks through telecom, platform and financial intelligence. Escalate inter-state and international networks through I4C. Prosecute using properly preserved digital evidence. All district should treat hybrid cybercrime as a priority category because it affects not only money, but the full digital identity, dignity and safety of citizens,” he said. Published - June 17, 2026 04:25 am IST
