Need for being vigilant against online fraud, cybercrimes stressed

Deputy Commissioner of Dharwad Divya Prabhu G.R.J. has emphasised the need for the general public to be remain vigilant especially in the wake of increasing instances of online and financial fraud.

She was inaugurating the “Regional Investors’ Awareness and Online Financial Fraud/Cybercrime Awareness Programme” for government employees, organised by SEBI in Dharwad on Monday (November 17, 2025).

With growing instances of such frauds, it has become necessary for the general public, employees, their family members and pensioners to remain vigilant, she said.

While it was needed that one ensured financial security after retirement, it was also necessary to know where to invest, what to invest and where not to invest. She said that one should not be lured by promises of high returns and check thoroughly before investing.

The Deputy Commissioner said that it was essential to sensitise government employees and beneficiaries of various departmental schemes on safe investment practices. “Apart from educating them about the basic rules of investing, they should also be sensitised on how to avoid fraudulent schemes. Before making any kind of financial investment, one must gather the right information and invest only through verified sources. It is also necessary to stay away from suspicious schemes”, she said.

Divya Prabhu said that it was important that one got thorough information on SEBI, stock exchanges, shares and debentures before investing so as to avoid getting duped. She also emphasised the need to gather information on tax-saving provisions and new tax regulations and advised people against downloading mobile applications on smartphones without proper check. “Downloading applications without thorough check may result in their smart phone being hacked resulting data theft and emptying of their bank accounts”, she warned

Delivering a virtual talk, senior officer of SEBI M.T. Venkatesh Babu elaborated on cybercrimes and safe investment practices. He also threw light on SEBI regulations, investors’ rights, the complaint-redressal system, new trends in the market,  legally approved investment avenues and related issues.

Another senior officer Badri Narayan elaborated on online frauds and the ways to protect oneself from becoming a victim of online fraud. Such programmes would be held on a regular basis in the coming days, he said.

Chief Exeuctive officer of Dharwad Zilla Panchayat Bhuvanesh Patil, auditor Veena Mudigoudar and officials from various government departments took part in the awareness programme.