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Cybercrimes should be reported by victims within 14 hours: ADGP, Cyber
Banks should also take responsibility, only then prompt action could be ensured - ADGP, Cyber
Timely Reporting Key to Combat Cybercrimes
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 11, 2024 – ADGP, Cyber, Sh. O.P. Singh, has stated that banks need to immediately strengthen their banking security systems against online frauds.
It has often been observed that in most cases, victims take an average of 14 hours to report cybercrimes, and sometimes up to 38 hours, weakening the chances of recovery as fraudsters quickly transfer the defrauded amount to fake bank accounts.
An analysis conducted by the Cyber Crime Agency of Haryana Police has revealed that by the time people report cyber fraud on the helpline 1930, more than 14 hours have passed since the fraud took place, and due to the slow response of banks, There is a delay of up to 5-11 hours in blocking the transferred amount.
Exclusive information shared by the police indicates that during this period, reports of fraud amounting to Rs 26.8 crore were lodged for immediate action by banks. However, only Rs 6.73 crore could be successfully blocked, meaning that 75 percent of the reported amount couldn't be blocked due to delays on the part of banks.
Fraudsters transfer small transactions to fake accounts, banks suffer losses due to slow action - OP Singh
Providing detailed information, ADGP Cyber stated that after registering a complaint of cyber fraud on the cybercrime.gov.in portal, police immediately alert banks.
However, banks take about 5-11 hours to take action after receiving the alert. This delay results in fraudulently transferred funds being withdrawn from ATMs or used for shopping.
The senior police officer said, "At the first level of complaint, banks take five hours to act, while when fraudsters transfer the amount to the next bank, it takes them 11 hours to respond. Data analysis clearly shows that while it takes the police an average of eight minutes to report cyber fraud to banks, nodal officers of banks take a considerable amount of time to act on the alerts sent."
He further revealed that in most complaints, victims took an average of 14 hours, and sometimes up to 38 hours, to report cybercrimes, weakening the chances of recovery because fraudsters quickly transfer the defrauded amount to fake bank accounts without delay.
In any suspicious situation, immediately call 1930 and confirm transactions with the bank
Referring to this "alarming situation" in reporting cybercrimes, Additional Director General of Police (Cyber) O.P. Singh emphasized the need for banks to work promptly on their response to online frauds.
ADGP said, "Our data shows a concerning situation in the reporting of cybercrimes and the response of banks. While on one hand, the police are alerting banks about fraud without delay, on the other hand, the slow response of banks in blocking the defrauded amount is alarming." He appealed to banks to work on improving their response mechanisms to cybercrime reports from citizens.
It is known that as part of a pilot project, representatives of banks are stationed at the Cyber Helpline Center in IRS Building 112 in Panchkula, and they are promptly acting on complaints of cyber fraud. However, he also mentioned that the response time from banks is still quite slow.
According to the data, banks take 14 hours to act on a complaint of cyber fraud, while the police take only 8 minutes to register a complaint and send it to the bank.
He also mentioned that awareness programs on cyber security are being conducted by the police to educate the public about the importance of immediate reporting of any suspicious online activity.
The purpose of sharing this analysis with the media is to evaluate the process of blocking defrauded amounts. It is the responsibility of the Cyber Police to thoroughly investigate cases, verify transactions, and then immediately restore the 'hold' bank accounts. District police should ensure that reports are reviewed daily, and if transactions are correct, the 'hold' should be lifted promptly