Nothing called digi arrest: Cop advice on e-security
Times of India | 10 December 2025
Kolkata: Being aware and alert, not sharing anything instantaneously with unknown callers, not divulging bank details are some of the simple steps that people should remember to avoid falling prey to cyber crooks, who are duping citizens of crores of rupees with scams like, digital arrest and fake investment schemes: This was the advice that Alok Kumar Bisoi of Baruipur cybercrime police station had for residents of 4Sight Florence in Garia.
"There is no such thing as digital arrest," said Bisoi, as he held an interactive session with the residents at the Digital Safety Townhall, organised by The Times of India as part of its #DontGetScammed initiative, aimed at guiding citizens to stay safe in the digital world.
"Cybercrime rate is spiralling. We regularly get reports of senior citizens being conned into parting with their hard-earned money. But one can stay safe by being aware and taking precautions," said Bisoi, who shared real-life situations through video presentations. Pointing out that scammers often preyed on elderly people by posing as bank officials, loan recovery agents and even police officers, he warned, "We must not share anything with any unknown caller. No bank will ask for any personal information on phone calls. Please ignore such calls if you receive them."
Cybercrime could be anything, from online financial fraud to crimes committed through social media platforms, Bisoi pointed out. "Everyone should lock their FB and Instagram profiles as fraudsters can access the profiles and commit a crime using personal information uploaded on the internet. Also, do not download unknown apps for taking loans, however lucrative the offers may seem," he advised.
The residents asked Bisoi different questions, clearing their doubts about the possibility of fraudsters hacking into FD accounts and ways to protect bank accounts from scammers. Arindam Lahiri, president of 4Sight Florence Resident Welfare Association, thanked TOI for the session. "It was an informative and fruitful session. We learnt a lot about cybercrimes and how to stay safe," Lahiri said. "The precautionary measures and protective steps should be followed by all, especially the young and the elderly, so that nobody falls prey to fraudsters. Such sessions should be held more to spread awareness."