Intro
Bengaluru North East Division police returned recovered mobile phones worth Rs 1.75 crore to owners and warned citizens against fake investment scams, suspicious links, QR code misuse.
CH NEWS
BENGALURU
Bengaluru North East Division police on Sunday returned 692 stolen and misplaced mobile phones worth nearly Rs 1.75 crore to their rightful owners during a public awareness programme held at Kuvempu Hall in GKVK.
The mobile phones were recovered from various police station limits across the division through sustained tracking and investigation using the Central Equipment Identity Register (CEIR) Portal. Police officials said the portal has become an effective tool in tracing lost and stolen mobile devices and preventing their misuse.
Addressing citizens during the programme, senior police officers also raised concern over the rapid rise in cybercrime cases, online investment frauds and digital scams targeting mobile phone users. Officials stated that nearly 90 percent of cybercrime complaints now involve mobile-based applications and communication platforms.
Police advised citizens to immediately report lost or stolen phones through the CEIR Portal, which allows users to block SIM cards and mobile devices to stop unauthorised access. Officials warned the public not to click on suspicious links sent through SMS, WhatsApp or social media platforms promising free gifts, foreign trips or attractive rewards.
According to police, cybercriminals often use such links to gain access to banking details, passwords and sensitive personal information. Citizens were also cautioned against scanning QR codes sent by strangers or unknown sources, as fraudsters are increasingly using QR-based payment tricks to siphon money from bank accounts.
The department highlighted the growing menace of fake online investment schemes. Officers explained that fraudsters first gain victims’ confidence by offering small profits and later convince them to invest larger sums. Once the money is transferred, the scammers disappear without a trace.
Police said several educated individuals have lost lakhs of rupees in such frauds while expecting quick financial returns. Officials urged the public to verify investment platforms before transferring money and strictly avoid sharing OTPs, bank account details or passwords with anyone.
During the programme, police also expressed concern about increasing drug abuse among youngsters and appealed to parents and educational institutions to remain alert and work closely with law enforcement agencies to protect students from substance abuse and cyber-related crimes.
