In a first, police’s reel initiative set to make Goans cyber-smart

Amresh Parab
Panaji
Goa police is all set to make Goans smarter in the digital world by launching a first-of-its-kind initiative to create awareness on cyber crimes through reels on social media platforms, with the police tying up with a private firm for ‘100 days’ for the purpose.
The move comes in the backdrop of many people from the state losing large sums of money to cyber frauds.
Superintendent of Police, Cyber crime, Rahul Gupta said, “We have partnered with Bla Bla Bla Entertainment, who will help us spread awareness in communities, homes and institutions across Goa and beyond through the creative power of social media.”
Gupta said digital content and reels on different types of cyber crimes, the ‘dos and don’ts’ and other information will be produced to alert the public.
According to Gupta, even though Goa is among the top performing states in cyber crime detection and response, there is a need to focus on increasing awareness. “This is not just an awareness campaign but a movement to make Goans smarter in the digital world,” he said.
Cyber crime is changing rapidly and everyday people fall victims to scam calls, phishing links, fake investments and online frauds. “These scams succeed largely because of fear, greed and a lack of awareness, making even the well-informed individuals vulnerable,” Gupta said.
“Under the guidance of Chief Minister Pramod Sawant, Goa police had launched a cyber awareness campaign – Cyber Surakshit Goen. This initiative was designed to educate the people of Goa and protect them from cybercriminals,” Gupta said.
Cautioning the public not to trust offers that promise quick gains, he said, “Stay alert when sharing personal information or making payments online, and most importantly, keep yourself updated about active cyber scam patterns.”
Referring to the tie-up with the private firm, Gupta said this is the first phase of the Goa police’s initiative in 2026. “I urge the people of Goa to support this mission. Spread the message in your neighbourhood and workplaces,” he said.
It may be noted that a few days ago, Goa cyber crime police had arrested Rushabh Hanvate (23) from Nagpur, Maharashtra, in connection with an online forex trading fraud. The case pertains to a man from Sattari, who lost over Rs 1.41 crore.
In December 2025, cyber criminals had reportedly scammed residents to the tune of over Rs 6 crore in seven different cases. Two cases of digital arrest were reported in which a woman from Bicholim lost Rs 1.42 crore to the scam, while a 66-year-old retired employee from Margao lost Rs 87 lakh.
Another case pertains to ‘task-based work from home’ wherein a 28-year-old businessman from Vasco lost over Rs 42 lakh, while a 62-year-old businesswoman from Margao lost over Rs 26 lakh to an online trading scam.
In another trading scam, a man from Sattari was reportedly duped to the tune of Rs 1,41,64,894, while a man from Ponda lost Rs 1,40,80,000 in a similar scam. Besides, a man from Caranzalem lost Rs 24,38,027. He was scammed under the pretext of KYC update. The scam is referred to as APK (Android Package Kit) fraud.