Kolkata: Kolkata Police yesterday launched a cybercrime helpline to assist citizens with queries related to cybercrime.
The toll-free number 1800-3450066 will operate round the clock for citizens within the jurisdiction of Kolkata Police.
The helpline will also guide citizens on the steps to follow if they fall victim to cyber fraud.
The helpline also aims to help residents get answers about cybercrime and understand the procedures to follow after an incident.
The helpline was inaugurated by Kolkata Police Commissioner Supratim Sarkar at the cyber Police Station inside the police Headquarters at Lalbazar.
Sarkar emphasised the golden hour in cybercrime. The first hour after a crime is crucial because fraudsters are most active during this period. The money moves very quickly from one account to another.
Kolkata Police receives around 1000 – 1200 cybercrime complaints per month. Roughly 80 per cent of this involves financial fraud and the remaining 20 per cent involves impersonation or social media abuse.
To date, Kolkata Police have been able to recover around 25 per cent of the money lost by residents to cyber fraud.
Kolkata Police also introduced a Specialised Blocking Cell tasked with monitoring phone numbers, SIM cards, APK files, IP addresses and URLs used in cyber crimes.
This unit will track the resources through which the crime was committed. This resource is then blocked to prevent further crimes.
The cybercrime unit also launched a newsletter, Cyber Pass, to raise awareness about cybercrimes and safe online practices.
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