KP’s cyber helpline gets 212 calls in 1st 24 hrs, helps stop digi arrest

Kolkata: The day-old cyber helpline number of Kolkata Police, Cyber Prohori — reachable at 1800345066 — received 212 calls by late evening on Wednesday. Among callers was a senior citizen from Ultadanga who was trapped by crooks in a digital arrest fraud. The woman was nervous, and a team responded to her call, explaining why calls like this cannot come from genuine police forces."We received the distress call from the Ultadanga woman on Wednesday morning. She said an FIR was reportedly drawn up against her by another police force and that she was put under digital arrest. We explained to her that this is not how a police force works. We also explained to her that she can call us for any further query. If required, we will speak to our counterparts," said an officer. DC (cyber) Abhishek Modi confirmed the development and said they are treating all complaints with importance. "We can confirm that the calls are frequent," said Modi, adding they are helping victims contact their local police and local cyber division for further legal aid and probe."We have received over 200 calls with most queries falling into nine cybercrime categories. The highest volume related to device and phone hacking complaints on Wednesday, followed by fraud linked to hotel booking websites. Callers also reported bank accounts being frozen or marked with liens, and scams routed through shopping links on social media platforms. Investment fraud and loan-related fraud were frequently cited. Another major cluster involved impersonation calls claiming to be from different police agencies, including digital arrest attempts," said joint CP (crime & traffic) Rupesh Kumar. Several callers also sought help on recovery issues tied to cases dating back five-six years. Many enquiries were jurisdictional, including requests for information on the number and locations of cyber cells and cybercrime police stations in Bengal. Cops said the call volume indicates sustained public exposure to online fraud and a growing need for clear reporting and referral mechanisms.At present, the helpline is working in three shifts 24x7. "We are even getting calls from outside Kolkata, which we are redirecting to the respective district or commissionerate cyber cells," an officer said.A senior officer of Kolkata Police said the force's helpline was meant to guide victims of cyber fraud through the required steps. "This is not an alternative to the national cybercrime portal. But our helpline will guide victims through steps to be taken if duped. It will not stop at providing a docket number."Lalbazar also came out with a list of cyber cells attached to local police stations. Cops also provided email IDs and contact numbers that complainants can use 24x7. Sources said at least five divisional cyber cells — south, southeast, port, central and south suburban (Jadavpur) — unearthed dozens of cyber crimes, several where crooks used the latest techniques, and successfully returned the stolen amount to the victims.