Tag: Cybercrime Awareness

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HDFC Bank Conducts Over 4,000 Cyber Fraud Awareness Workshops Across India

Tanisha Cardozo

Written by Tanisha Cardozo || Team Allycaral

HDFC Bank, India’s leading private sector bank, has strengthened its commitment to digital safety by conducting over 4,000 cyber fraud awareness workshops across the country as part of its ongoing digital banking awareness drive. Since April 2025, these workshops have reached more than 27,000 citizens, equipping them with essential knowledge to safeguard themselves against the growing threat of cyber fraud.

The initiative targets a wide and diverse audience, including school and college students, senior citizens, self-help groups, bank customers, and employees. Through interactive sessions, participants were educated on safe digital banking practices designed to help them recognise and avoid fraudulent activities. The workshops featured real-life examples, stories, and videos that illustrated common tactics used by fraudsters, making the sessions both relatable and impactful. Many of these workshops were conducted in collaboration with Law Enforcement Agencies, further reinforcing their credibility and reach.

Participants were introduced to various fraudster tactics, including how criminals manipulate victims using fear, urgency, greed, or appeals for help. The sessions highlighted prevalent cyber threats such as digital arrest scams, investment frauds, APK frauds, phishing, smishing, vishing, SIM swap scams, remote access frauds, and UPI-related frauds. Practical secure banking tips were also shared, emphasising simple yet effective habits that can significantly reduce risk. The workshops featured ‘Vigil Aunty’ as a relatable awareness ambassador to reinforce these messages.

Attendees were strongly advised never to share sensitive personal or banking information, avoid clicking on suspicious links, and refrain from downloading APK files or attachments received through emails, SMS, or WhatsApp, particularly those impersonating banks, government authorities, or trusted institutions.

Commenting on the initiative, Manish Agrawal, Senior Executive Vice President – Credit Intelligence and Control at HDFC Bank, said that fraudsters are increasingly combining social engineering tactics with technology to exploit customers. He emphasised the importance of awareness in preventing individuals from sharing confidential banking details or engaging with unverified links, urging citizens to always “Pause, Think, and Verify” before taking any action.

HDFC Bank continues to encourage customers to adopt safe digital banking habits and remain vigilant while transacting online. In the event of online fraud, customers are advised to immediately report unauthorised transactions to the bank, block the affected payment mode, and contact the Ministry of Home Affairs’ 1930 cybercrime helpline or file a complaint on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal to prevent further losses.

EduConnect

SVVM College and Ponda Police Host Cyber Safety Awareness Session to Empower Digital Citizens

Tanisha Cardozo

Swami Vivekanand Vidyaprasarak Mandal’s College of Commerce, Bori-Ponda, took a significant step towards fostering digital responsibility by organizing an insightful Cyber Safety Awareness Session on 13th October 2025. The event was a collaborative effort by the college’s Computer Club and NSS Unit, held in partnership with the Ponda Police Department. With the digital world becoming increasingly complex and vulnerable, the session aimed to educate students on the risks and responsibilities associated with their online presence.

The session was led by Mr. Bansal Naik, Police Sub-Inspector at Ponda, and Mr. Lavu Gawas, Police Constable, who brought in-depth field experience to the discussion. They addressed the students on the alarming rise in cybercrimes, highlighting issues such as phishing attacks, identity theft, cyberbullying, and data breaches. Their presentations included guidance on adopting preventive practices like using strong, unique passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, and maintaining vigilant privacy settings on social platforms.

What set this session apart was its use of real-life case studies and examples, which made the information both practical and relatable for students. These case studies sparked interactive dialogue, encouraging participants to ask questions, share concerns, and reflect on their own digital behavior. Legal aspects related to cybercrimes were also discussed, with specific references to the Information Technology Act, ensuring students understood their rights and responsibilities under the law.

In his welcome address, Principal Achut Pednekar emphasized the importance of cyber vigilance and the role of education in shaping responsible digital citizens. He acknowledged the efforts of both the Ponda Police and the college’s organizing teams in making the event a meaningful experience for students.

The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Mrs. Sneha Lotlikar, who expressed sincere appreciation to the Ponda Police officers, the student participants, and everyone involved in bringing the session to life. A college spokesperson highlighted the collaboration as a proactive step towards building a culture of cyber awareness, safety, and legal literacy among young digital users.

Events in Goa

Duler Parish Empowers Grandparents and Elders with Cybercrime Awareness on Appreciation Day

Tanisha Cardozo

The Parish of St Francis Xavier Church, Duler, came alive with spirit, song, and sincere gratitude on Sunday, July 27, 2025, as it marked Grandparents’ and Elders’ Appreciation Day with warmth and purpose. Spearheaded by the Social Apostolate Cell (SAC) and Family Apostolate Cell (FAC), the event honoured the legacy, resilience, and wisdom of the senior members of the community.

The morning began with a Thanksgiving Mass, beautifully attended by parishioners and dedicated to the Grandparents and Elders. The Senior Citizens’ Forum of the parish joined hands with the SAC to create a meaningful prayer service followed by an Educational-Cultural Celebration that brought generations together.

Through touching Konkani songs and skits, the Catechism Children and Youth not only paid tribute to the elders but also brought attention to a pressing modern issue — Cybercrime.

The Chief Guest, DySP Wilson Cipriano D’Souza, applauded the parish for blending tradition with contemporary challenges. He assured seniors that the Mapusa Police stands with them and encouraged them to approach his office for any support.

The highlight of the day was an insightful presentation by Cybercrime Branch Inspector Vidyanand Pawar, who explained the evolving nature of digital frauds targeting elders and offered practical safety tips for using smartphones, banking apps, and social media.

Adding grace to the celebration were Justice Sabino Braganza and Range Forest Officer Maryann D’Souza, both special invitees who reinforced the message of appreciation and empowerment.

A delightful cultural performance by the Senior Citizens, featuring a traditional Mando, fashion show, and musical acts, brought joy and connection to the community. The event closed with a joyful fellowship lunch.

In the evening, the celebration extended beyond the church walls. The FAC, Parish Pastoral Council, and Somudai leaders reached out to the homebound and isolated elders, gifting them handmade cards by Catechism children and tokens of love, ensuring no one was left behind.

Fr Anthony Fernandes, Parish Priest, summed it up best:

“Our elders are timeless beacons of faith and wisdom. Today, we not only honour them but also stand by them as a community.”

Indeed, the event was more than a celebration—it was a testament to the dignity, safety, and shared identity of the Parish’s senior citizens.