In an era dominated by smartphones, losing your device is no longer just an inconvenience—it can be a direct invitation for cybercriminals to empty your bank accounts and misuse your private information. The Patna cyber police have issued a critical warning, highlighting a sharp rise in such cases and outlining the immediate actions victims must take.
Immediate Steps Are Your First Line of Defence
Nitish Chandra Dhariya, the DSP and in-charge of the Patna cyber police station, stressed that speed is paramount. He explained that the moment you realize your phone is missing, you must launch a multi-pronged response to lock out fraudsters.
First, contact your mobile service provider to deactivate the SIM card. Simultaneously, call your bank to freeze all linked accounts, savings, and UPI services like Google Pay or PhonePe. This dual action cuts off the primary tools a thief would use to access your finances.
"Swift reporting greatly improves the chances of recovering funds and apprehending the culprits," DSP Dhariya stated on Saturday. He urged people to also immediately file a complaint on the government's official CEIR portal (ceir.gov.in). This national system helps block the device across all networks and can aid in tracking it.
Proactive Habits to Build a Security Shield
Beyond emergency measures, the cyber police advocate for building strong, everyday security habits to stay ahead of threats. DSP Dhariya recommends a simple yet powerful step: enabling the SIM PIN lock in your phone settings.
"A simple 4-digit code can prevent the SIM from being used in another device," he said. For even greater safety, consider switching to an e-SIM technology, which is embedded in the phone and cannot be physically removed by a thief.
He also advised a layered security approach for your device and apps:
- Always secure your phone with a strong password, PIN, or pattern lock.
- Turn on two-factor authentication and biometric locks (fingerprint/face ID) for all banking and payment apps.
- Use app locks for extra protection on sensitive applications like photo galleries or email.
Where to Report and Seek Help
If you discover that money has already been stolen from your accounts, do not delay. Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or rush to the nearest cyber police station to file a formal report. The Patna police, through its ongoing cyber awareness campaigns, are actively educating citizens on these practical measures to empower them against the rising tide of mobile-related frauds.
By combining immediate action with robust preventive habits, individuals can significantly reduce their risk and protect their digital lives from criminals who prey on lost and stolen devices.
