Now a dedicated helpline to tackle credit, debit card fraud

MUMBAI: With fraud associated with manipulation of credit-debit cards on the rise, the Mumbai police is likely to start a dedicated helpline to tackle such complaints. Last year along, the cyber police received over 2.45 lakh complaints related debit/credit card fraud.

With an increasing number of such cases registered with cyber police stations and cyber cells of Mumbai police, the idea of a dedicated helpline will come in handy for those who fall prey to such scams. Presently, victims either visit the nearest police station or tweet their complaint on Mumbai police’s Twitter handle which then takes charge. By contrast, a helpline will provide immediate assistance once victims intimate about the fraud.

A senior police official said on the condition of anonymity, “The number of instances of debit/credit card frauds has increased after awareness created by the police and fair registration of First Information Reports (FIR). However, the FIR comes second, and regarding what should be done immediately is what matters the most in such cases.”

When asked, cyber expert Haren Das, said that a dedicated helpline will be an asset in cracking cases of fraud and will improve the otherwise dipping detection rate. Mr Das also said that it became difficult to catch hold of such criminals as they used bouncing IP (internet protocol) addresses, and host channels. Such a helpline can at least help get the amount reversed into the victim’s bank account by acting swiftly.