‘Cyber Shield’ active in Kozhikode city to fight online investment frauds

In a fresh move to counter the growing menace of online investment fraud, a common coordination platform named Cyber Shield, bringing together prominent bankers and police, has become a reality in Kozhikode city. The initiative aims to ensure swift action, effective information exchange, and timely intervention to safeguard the hard-earned money of complainants.

Police officers who worked behind the newly launched project say it facilitates seamless online and offline communication between enforcement squad members and banking firms. It has taken shape at a time when increasing numbers of educated and professional individuals are falling prey to organised digital investment scams across the country.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Kozhikode Cyber Station) G. Balachandran says all nationalised banks operating under the Lead Bank are now active members of the new platform to support the police in case investigations and recover funds of cheated investors. Instant messaging groups have been formed under Cyber Shield to enable real-time information sharing, clarification of doubts, and joint discussions for effective case resolution, he adds.

“The recurring online investment frauds targeting educated individuals remain a matter of concern despite our extensive awareness campaigns. Many still believe that the messages they receive on online investments are genuine,” says Mr. Balachandran. “However, the major relief in recent times is that digital arrest scams operated by fraudsters posing as enforcement officers have virtually ended as a result of the aggressive awareness campaigns carried out by the police,” he told The Hindu.

Senior officers at the Kozhikode Cyber Police Station reveal that an investigation is under way into 85 online investment fraud cases reported within the city. In the past 10 months alone, 31 cases were registered at the Kozhikode cyber police station with a total reported loss of ₹16.30 crore. Of the suspects, 11 were arrested during the period, helping the squads make headway in their investigations and put several suspected funds secured by fraudsters on hold.

As part of intensified countermeasures, the cyber police have strengthened their public outreach programmes, particularly targeting school and college students. Officers coordinating the campaigns say that empowering young people with knowledge about online fraud will help disseminate awareness more effectively throughout society.

Police officers engaged in cyber investigations are also undergoing weekly training sessions led by cybercrime experts to stay updated on emerging online scam trends, advanced investigation techniques, and inter-agency coordination processes.

“The Cyber Police Station in Kozhikode now provides direct verification services for individuals suspicious of online investment offers. The station’s front desk attends to multiple calls daily from citizens seeking guidance before responding to digital offers,” says a senior civil police officer. He describes it as an encouraging trend, as citizens of all ages and professions now proactively contact the police when they come across dubious investment schemes.