Maharashtra CM Appeals to Citizens to Report Cyber Fraud Immediately by Dialing 1930

Mumbai, August 26: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis urged citizens on Wednesday to promptly dial 1930 if they fall victim to cyber fraud. He emphasized that there is no legal or practical concept of a ‘digital arrest.’ Fadnavis warned against the psychological tactics employed by cybercriminals.

Speaking at an awareness program organized by Maharashtra Cyber, he highlighted the growing complexity of online scams. Fraudsters often impersonate law enforcement officials, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) personnel, or judges to exploit people’s fears. They frequently use fake courtroom setups or actors in uniforms during video calls to intimidate victims.

To combat this issue, the Chief Minister launched a significant awareness campaign, which includes a 42-minute short film titled ‘Digital Arrest’ and the ‘1930 Maharashtra Cyber Anthem.’ This multimedia initiative features short clips and social media reels with celebrities, aiming to reach households across the state.

Fadnavis stressed the importance of the ‘golden hour’ immediately following a cyber fraud incident. Reporting the crime within this critical timeframe significantly increases the chances of freezing or recovering the stolen funds. Delaying the report by three to fifteen days allows criminals to transfer money across multiple accounts, making recovery nearly impossible. Therefore, he urged citizens to dial 1930 without delay if they suspect fraud.

As mobile banking, digital payments, and online portals become integral to daily life, the public’s vulnerability to cyber threats has also increased. The Chief Minister noted that modernizing police technology and raising widespread awareness are the strongest defenses against these threats. Scammers often employ tactics such as claiming drugs found in parcels, OTP fraud, fake phone calls, and impersonating law enforcement officials. Fadnavis pointed out that citizens often succumb to fear when confronted with uniformed individuals or courtroom-like settings.

Acknowledging the rising threats from AI-driven voice cloning, deepfakes, and manipulated media, the Chief Minister praised Maharashtra Cyber’s proactive approach to mitigating these risks.