Jammu & Kashmir Takes Action Against Online Scammers: Chief Secretary Calls for Comprehensive Measures
Samba Times Special
Jammu, January 16: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has ramped up efforts to combat online scams and fraudulent activities by unregulated entities, with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo emphasizing a multi-pronged approach to safeguard citizens. Chairing the 35th Union Territory Level Coordination Committee (UTLCC) meeting, convened by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Jammu branch, Dulloo highlighted the pressing need for stringent measures to tackle the growing menace of online scams.
The meeting brought together key stakeholders, including representatives from the RBI, SEBI, ICAI, and other regulatory bodies, along with top officials from J&K’s Home, Finance, and Revenue Departments. The focus was on addressing unauthorized deposits, fraudulent online activities, and enhancing market intelligence sharing among regulatory and enforcement agencies.
Strict Action Against Online Fraudsters
Chief Secretary Dulloo stressed that crimes committed by online scammers are cognizable offenses, and law enforcement agencies must take swift and decisive action under the provisions of the Banning of Unregulated Deposit Schemes (BUDS) Act. He called for the formulation of clear rules by regulatory bodies, including RBI and SEBI, to empower enforcement agencies in curbing such crimes effectively.
He urged stakeholders to ensure robust implementation of the BUDS Act and newly adopted criminal laws to dismantle fraudulent networks. Specific attention was directed at cracking down on unauthorized apps, websites, and unregistered entities that exploit the trust of J&K’s residents.
Empowering Law Enforcement
Dulloo emphasized the importance of equipping police officers with the necessary tools and training to investigate digital scams. He directed the RBI to train master trainers who would, in turn, train around 5,000 investigation officers across districts. This capacity-building initiative aims to strengthen the police force’s ability to tackle the sophisticated tactics of online fraudsters.
Awareness and Outreach
Recognizing the role of public awareness in preventing scams, Dulloo advised the RBI, SEBI, and other regulatory bodies to initiate widespread literacy campaigns. These campaigns will utilize social media platforms, WhatsApp, and bulk messaging through banks to educate people about online fraud.
He also stressed the need to target students in colleges and villagers in panchayats for outreach programs. By raising awareness at the grassroots level, the government aims to arm citizens with knowledge to identify and avoid potential scams.
Collaborative Efforts to Prevent Fraud
Regional Director of the RBI, Chandra Shekhar Azad, called for a collaborative approach among all stakeholders to address the rise of cyber fraud. He outlined steps to improve market intelligence, enhance inter-agency coordination, and accelerate the pace of literacy campaigns.
Azad also assured support in building the capacity of local law enforcement agencies, enabling them to handle cyber fraud cases with greater efficiency.
Way Forward
Chief Secretary Dulloo concluded the meeting by reviewing the progress in resolving pending fraud cases and emphasized the need for concrete preventive measures to deter future crimes. He reiterated the government’s commitment to eradicating online scams and called for unified efforts to ensure the safety and security of J&K residents in the digital age.
As digital transactions and online marketing grow in popularity, the government’s proactive stance is expected to play a crucial role in curbing the activities of online scammers and building a safer digital environment. We will throw some light on online scammers & their types & modus operandi for the awareness of over viewers
The Context of Online Scams in Jammu & Kashmir and India
Online scams have become a significant concern in Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) and across India as the adoption of digital platforms and online transactions grows rapidly
From phishing scams to unauthorized apps and fraudulent investment schemes, scammers are exploiting technology and users’ lack of awareness to defraud individuals and businesses.
Online Scams in Jammu & Kashmir (JKUT):
1. Digital Penetration: With the rapid expansion of internet connectivity under Digital India, J&K has witnessed a rise in digital activities, including e-banking, e-commerce, and online financial services. However, this has also made residents more vulnerable to cyber fraud.
2. Common Scams:
Fake job offers targeting youth.
Fraudulent loan apps exploiting financially distressed individuals.
Phishing and vishing attacks, particularly targeting rural areas where digital literacy is lower.
Fake investment schemes through social media platforms.
3. Challenges:
Limited awareness about cyber safety among citizens.
Inadequate capacity of law enforcement to investigate and prosecute complex digital crimes.
Unregulated digital platforms and apps operating without accountability.
Common Questions in Every Mind
Online scammers often use simple yet deceptive methods to befool unsuspecting individuals.
One common tactic is posing as representatives from banks, claiming that a user’s account will be deactivated unless immediate action is taken, such as updating KYC details.
Scammers frequently
use WhatsApp calls or messages to demand money under the pretense of paying utility bills, such as electricity or gas cylinder charges. Once victims fall into their trap, the scammers swiftly drain their accounts or take fraudulent loans in their names.
Many people fall prey to these scams due to their simplicity and the sense of urgency created by the fraudsters. However, the government’s mechanisms to combat these crimes remain underdeveloped. Victims often find that reporting such incidents to the police or cybercrime cell yields little immediate resolution. In most cases, complaints are merely recorded, and the infrastructure for swift action is lacking.
A common question arises: if the money is transferred through the banking system, why can’t it be traced and recovered? Unfortunately, scammers exploit loopholes, such as withdrawing funds immediately or transferring money to multiple accounts to evade detection. In some instances, they open fake bank accounts using forged Aadhaar cards, often belonging to poor or illiterate individuals who are deceived with false promises of account benefits.
To protect themselves, individuals should avoid answering suspicious WhatsApp calls or sharing personal or banking information. If money is mistakenly transferred to a scammer’s account, victims must act quickly by contacting their bank or the cybercrime cell to freeze the transaction. However, the lack of robust mechanisms makes recovery challenging, emphasizing the urgent need for better infrastructure and awareness campaigns to prevent such frauds.
Online Scams in India:
1. Rising Numbers:
India reported over 4.5 lakh cybercrime cases in 2022, a significant portion of which involved financial fraud.
2. Impact on Vulnerable Populations:
Scams like fake digital wallets, unauthorized deposit schemes, and fraudulent UPI transactions target less tech-savvy populations.
3. Sophisticated Techniques: Cybercriminals use AI, social engineering, and advanced phishing techniques to outsmart even educated users.
4. Cross-Border Challenges: Many frauds originate from international networks, complicating investigations and enforcement.—
How the Move Benefits the People of Jammu & Kashmir
The measures announced by the J&K government under the Chief Secretary’s leadership will offer several direct and indirect benefits to the people:
1. Enhanced Protection Against Fraud
Swift action under the BUDS Act will ensure that fraudsters are prosecuted, discouraging further scams.Strengthened enforcement will lead to the dismantling of networks behind unauthorized apps, websites, and schemes.
2. Increased Public Awareness
Literacy campaigns will educate citizens about recognizing scams and safely navigating digital platforms.Outreach programs in colleges, panchayats, and villages will ensure even rural and marginalized communities are informed.
3. Empowerment of Law Enforcement
Training 5,000 police officers in digital fraud investigation will build a robust response system, ensuring swift action against cybercriminals.Improved coordination between regulatory bodies like RBI, SEBI, and local police will lead to more effective enforcement.
4. Boost to Trust in Digital Ecosystem
By tackling online scams proactively, the government will restore trust in digital platforms, encouraging more people to adopt online banking and e-commerce.A safer digital environment will benefit businesses, consumers, and the overall economy.
5. Strengthened Regulations
Notification of clear rules will empower enforcement agencies and reduce ambiguities in prosecuting scammers.Collaborative efforts with RBI, SEBI, and others will ensure tighter monitoring of unauthorized entities.
Broader Implications for India
This initiative in J&K aligns with India’s broader goal of creating a secure digital environment under the National Cyber Security Policy 2023. Efforts to combat cyber fraud at the state level will complement nationwide initiatives, including:
1. Data Protection Law Enforcement: Addressing privacy and data misuse.
2. CERT-In’s Role: Enhancing national cyber incident response mechanisms.
3. Skill Development: Promoting digital literacy across the country.By addressing online fraud head-on, J&K sets an example for other states to follow, contributing to a safer digital India.
Rahul Sambyal ✍️
Executive Editor
Samba Times
