Arthsutra Samvad at Chuchot, Phyang focuses on Financial Literacy, Cyber Fraud prevention

LEH: Leh Police has urged residents to report financial cyber fraud on 1930 without delay, stressing that prompt reporting during the first 60 minutes can improve the chances of tracing and blocking diverted funds, as cybercrime complaints continue to rise in Ladakh.

The advisory was issued during Bajaj Finance Ltd’s Arthsutra Samvad financial literacy programme held at Chuchot Yokma Panchayat Ghar, Government Higher Secondary School Chuchot and Panchayat Ghar Phayang.

According to official figures cited during the programme, 1,077 cybercrime complaints involving approximately ₹10 crore were reported in Ladakh during 2021–2026. Complaints increased from 43 in 2022 to 366 in 2025.

SHO Shamim Ahmed, Cyber In-charge, Leh, described the first 60 minutes after a financial fraud as the “golden hour” and urged victims not to delay reporting or attempt to resolve cases themselves.

Cyber Police official Abdul Ghani cautioned residents against fake KYC calls, fraudulent investment offers, QR-code scams, fake customer-care numbers, loan applications and malicious links. He advised people never to share OTPs, PINs, passwords or banking details.

The programme also highlighted the Ladakh Administration’s move to establish a dedicated Cyber Police Station, with jurisdiction across the Union Territory, following growing instances of cyber financial fraud, online scams, digital arrests and identity theft.

Bajaj Finance’s Arthsutra Samvad programme focused on savings, budgeting, responsible borrowing, timely loan repayment, financial planning and safe digital financial practices.

Addressing participants, representatives stressed the need to extend financial and cyber awareness to households, particularly women, students and young people who increasingly use digital payment platforms.

At Chuchot, students were sensitised to responsible smartphone use, online financial risks and common methods used by cybercriminals. At Phayang, village representatives and youth leaders discussed financial planning and digital safety.

The programme reinforced the message that financial awareness increasingly requires an understanding of cyber risks, with authorities urging residents to act immediately in the event of a financial fraud.