Chandigarh: In a concerted effort to combat the growing threat of cybercrime, the State Cybercrime unit has significantly enhanced its capabilities by expanding the services offered through Helpline 1930 and the Citizen Financial Cyber Fraud Reporting and Management System. These platforms have been optimized to provide more efficient reporting mechanisms and quicker responses to incidents of cybercrime, particularly in cases of financial fraud.
A major innovation in this initiative is the introduction of the Cyber Mitra chatbot, which was launched today in Punjab. This AI-driven chatbot is specifically designed to assist the public by answering queries related to cybercrime and providing valuable information in real time. It offers a seamless, user-friendly experience and ensures that citizens have access to reliable information around the clock, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The goal of this chatbot is not only to inform but also to ensure that any reports of cybercrime, especially those involving sensitive financial details, are handled in a confidential manner, thereby protecting the privacy of victims.
Moreover, the Punjab Police have taken a proactive stance in freezing funds that cyber fraudsters have siphoned off from victims’ accounts. In 2024, this initiative has resulted in the successful freezing of fraudulent transactions in 17% of reported cases. While there is always room for improvement, this success rate demonstrates a growing effectiveness in intercepting illicit funds before they can be moved beyond recovery.
The Cyber Mitra chatbot is a cornerstone of this expanded effort, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the rapid dissemination of information and offering immediate assistance. Its implementation is expected to streamline the reporting process, speed up the resolution of cases, and create a more secure digital environment for citizens. Through these cutting-edge measures, Punjab is taking bold steps to empower its citizens in the fight against cybercrime, ensuring that digital transactions and online activities can be conducted with greater confidence and security.
