Bijnor Police Turns to Instagram Reels for Cyber Fraud Awareness
Bijnor district in Uttar Pradesh is famous for its sugarcane production and sugar mills. Now, it is gaining attention on social media for a different reason. The local police have launched a unique campaign to fight cyber fraud.
Targeting Wealthy Residents
Cyber criminals are focusing on big farmers, jewellers, and businessmen in Bijnor. These individuals often have substantial financial resources. Fraudsters use clever methods to trick them into transferring money.
Officials report a rise in online scams. Many cases involve fake online purchases, digital arrests, and fraudulent money transfers. Criminals often pretend to be relatives or friends of their victims.
Innovative Awareness Drive
To address this issue, Bijnor Superintendent of Police Abhishek and his team adopted a creative approach. They partnered with local social media influencers. Together, they produce short Instagram reels featuring songs and dance.
These reels educate people about common cyber fraud tactics. The campaign is part of a larger initiative announced by Director General of Police Rajeev Krishna. It aims to reduce cyber crime incidents across the state.
Using AI and Social Media
SP Abhishek explained their strategy. "For the last two months, we have used AI-based tools to create cyber awareness videos," he said. The police analyzed complaints from the National Cyber Reporting Platform. This helped them understand the fraudsters' methods.
They released three videos on platforms like YouTube, X, and Facebook. The videos cover:
- Scammers posing as relatives and friends
- Fraudulent loan offers
- Fake SMS messages related to banking transactions
Recognizing the widespread use of social media, the police turned to Instagram reels. They collaborated with Gulfam, a popular influencer from Dhampur in Bijnor. The team prepared a script for a rap song about cyber crimes.
Production and Distribution
Filming took about ten days. The primary location was Dhampur railway station. Local residents assisted with the production. The police ensure all content and scripts are prepared by their team.
Influencers in the reels share specific advice on handling suspicious phone calls, SMSes, and WhatsApp messages. They urge people to contact the police immediately if they encounter fraud.
The campaign extends beyond social media. In coordination with local administration and civil society members, the videos play on large LED screens at forty locations across the district. These include:
- Bijnor railway station
- Chandpur Cinema Hall
- Major crossroads
- Religious institutions
Positive Public Response
The initiative has received a good response. In a survey conducted in late December, nearly twenty thousand users provided feedback via Google Sheets. About ninety percent found the videos helpful. They reported increased awareness and better protection against cyber fraud.
SP Abhishek emphasized their goal. "We hope to check this menace by empowering people through information," he stated. The police believe education is key to prevention.
Growing Cyber Fraud Cases
Officials revealed that Bijnor received three hundred twenty-nine cyber fraud complaints last month alone. This highlights the urgent need for effective awareness measures. The police continue to explore innovative ways to reach the public.
By leveraging popular platforms like Instagram, they aim to engage both youth and elderly residents. The use of entertaining content makes serious messages more accessible. This approach demonstrates a modern adaptation of traditional policing methods.
