Mangaluru: With cyber crimes increasing at an alarming pace, the city police have intensified their public outreach initiative under the ‘Police to Every Home’ programme, taking cyber safety awareness directly to residents across the district. Police personnel are visiting homes, interacting with families and educating them about common online frauds, scams and digital safety practices in an effort to prevent people from falling victim to cyber criminals.
Under the programme, police officers and constables spend nearly 10 minutes at each household explaining different forms of cyber fraud that have become increasingly common in recent years. Residents are being advised to remain cautious while using mobile phones, avoid sharing bank account PIN numbers or OTPs with strangers and stay alert against suspicious online activities.
Awareness against rising cyber frauds
The initiative comes at a time when cyber frauds such as digital arrest scams, fake stock market investment schemes, fraudulent part-time job offers and illegal loan app traps are witnessing a sharp rise across Karnataka and other parts of the country. Police officials said many innocent citizens, particularly senior citizens and homemakers, are becoming easy targets for cyber criminals due to lack of awareness.
As part of the awareness campaign, police personnel are warning residents about fake customer care calls, free gift and lottery scams, phishing messages and APK files received through unknown mobile links. Officers are advising people not to download files or applications sent from unverified sources, as such files can compromise personal and banking data stored on smartphones.
The police are also encouraging residents to verify every suspicious call claiming to be from banks, government agencies or courier services before sharing any personal information. Families are being urged to immediately contact the police cyber helpline in case of suspected fraud.
Pamphlets distributed across households
Along with verbal awareness sessions, police personnel are distributing a two-page pamphlet containing detailed information about various cyber crimes and preventive measures. The pamphlet explains common methods used by fraudsters and provides guidelines on how citizens can protect themselves online.
A constable attached to the Kadri police station said police teams usually carry out the awareness drive two to three days a week whenever they get free time from regular law and order duties.
“Specific areas have been allotted to all constables. While visiting apartment complexes, we coordinate with the owners’ associations to ensure smooth interaction with residents,” the constable said.
Police officials believe direct interaction with residents is proving more effective than social media advisories alone, especially among elderly citizens who may not regularly access digital awareness campaigns online.
Over 1.24 lakh houses covered
According to police sources, the programme has so far reached 1,24,374 houses across different police station limits in and around the city. Officials said the response from residents has largely been positive, with many families appreciating the proactive approach taken by the department.
Among the police station limits, Urwa and Panambur stations have achieved 100 per cent household coverage under the initiative. South police station has covered 6,600 houses, accounting for 88.21 per cent coverage, while East station has reached 8,611 houses, or 84.82 per cent coverage.
Barke station has covered 5,955 houses, representing 90 per cent coverage, while Kankanady station has reached 8,645 houses, accounting for 53.58 per cent coverage. Ullal station has covered 15,304 houses, while Bajpe station has visited 18,438 houses under its limits.
Mulki station has covered 11,772 houses, Surathkal station 9,132 houses and Moodbidri station 10,199 houses. Konaje, Kavoor and Mangaluru Rural stations are also continuing their awareness campaigns in allotted areas.
Officials stated that the programme would continue in the coming weeks with the aim of reaching every household under the commissionerate limits.
Police stress community participation
Police officers said cyber crime prevention cannot be achieved by law enforcement agencies alone and requires active cooperation from the public. Citizens are being encouraged to discuss cyber safety measures within their families and educate elderly parents and children about online fraud risks.
Officials added that awareness remains the strongest weapon against cyber crimes, as fraudsters often succeed by exploiting fear, greed or lack of digital knowledge among victims.
The department hopes that the door-to-door initiative will significantly reduce cyber fraud complaints and help build stronger trust between police and the community.