Soon, a police helpline to check online frauds

Panaji: Goa police have decided to launch a helpline against cybercrimes for the convenience of people.
Online fraud cases, which include fraudulent messages to people asking them to make electricity bill payments, are increasing rapidly in the state.
Through the helpline, the public, falling prey to such online scams, will get an immediate response from police. The police will immediately inform respective banks to stop further transfer of money.
Superintendent of police, Crime Branch, Nidhin Valsan told TOI that the helpline is in the final stages of implementation and would be launched soon.
“It will take care of cybercrime complaints. In case if money is transferred fraudulently from the account, Goa police will work with the respective bank so that the money is reverted to the customer’s account,” he said.
“In case money is transferred without the consent of customer, then he can approach the Goa police through the helpline and Goa police will ask banks to revert the money,” Valsan said.
He said that the public should not share OTP or information which will result in the transfer of their money from banks. “No bank asks for OTP. It should not be shared with anyone,” the SP said.
During the last couple of months, fraud messages of power supply disconnection for non-payment of electricity bills are being circulated by unknown persons, followed by a phone number 7439772603 asking them to contact. A link is also sent to them.
“Electricity consumers should pay bills either in person, by visiting the designated banks, the electricity office or through the official website. No one should click the fraud link and make the payment,” he said.
“Fraud messages on disconnecting power supply are being circulated by unknown persons. People should not make any payments through the link provided by them or share any details, including the OTP,” chief electrical engineer (CEE) had said in a notification.