Mangaluru: Residents of the city have lost over ₹100 crore to cyber fraud in the last 26 months, Police Commissioner Sudheer Kumar Reddy said on Sunday, urging the public to remain vigilant against online scams and deceptive digital schemes.
He was addressing participants before flagging off the ‘Run for Drug Free Karnataka and Cyber Safety’ at the Mangala Stadium. The event was organised to spread awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and the growing threat of cybercrime.
Warning against online investment and digital arrest scams
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Reddy cautioned citizens against falling prey to fraudulent online investment platforms that promise unusually high returns within a short span of time. He also highlighted the rise in so-called “digital arrest” scams, in which fraudsters impersonate law enforcement or government officials and intimidate victims into transferring money.
“Cyber criminals are constantly evolving their tactics. They exploit fear, greed, and lack of awareness to trap unsuspecting people,” he said. He added that in many cases, victims are persuaded to invest in fake trading apps, cryptocurrency platforms, or bogus financial schemes with the assurance of attractive interest rates.
According to the Commissioner, cumulative losses reported in 2024, 2025 and the first two months of 2026 have crossed ₹100 crore. He stressed that this figure represents only reported cases and that actual losses could be higher due to under-reporting.
Mr. Reddy urged people to verify the authenticity of online schemes before investing and to avoid sharing sensitive information such as OTPs, bank account details, and personal identification numbers with unknown callers or websites.
Awareness through public participation
The ‘Run for Drug Free Karnataka and Cyber Safety’ saw enthusiastic participation from students, professionals, police personnel and members of the public. More than 2,800 participants took part in the 5 km and 10 km categories of the run.
The event aimed to combine physical fitness with social awareness, drawing attention to two pressing issues — substance abuse and cybercrime. Organisers said the run was part of a broader outreach initiative to engage the community in preventive efforts.
Mr. Reddy noted that awareness is the first line of defence against cyber fraud. He encouraged citizens to report suspicious calls, messages and financial transactions immediately through official helplines and cybercrime portals.
Police call for collective vigilance
The Commissioner emphasised that tackling cybercrime requires cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public. He said the city police have been strengthening their cybercrime wing and conducting regular awareness programmes in educational institutions and residential communities.
Arun K, Superintendent of Police of Dakshina Kannada, along with Deputy Commissioners of Police Mithun H. N. and Ravishankar K., and Assistant Superintendent of Police Anil Kumar Bhumareddy, were present at the event.
Officials reiterated that citizens should be cautious of unsolicited calls claiming to be from banks, courier companies, telecom providers, or investigating agencies. They also advised against clicking on suspicious links received via SMS or messaging applications.
As cybercriminals continue to exploit technological advancements, authorities stressed the need for digital literacy and responsible online behaviour. The Commissioner concluded by appealing to residents to stay alert and support law enforcement efforts in making the city both drug-free and cyber-safe.