Bajaj Finance, a Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) in the private sector, and part of Bajaj Finserv, on 12th September 2025, held a cyber fraud awareness programme in Coimbatore, under the name Knockout Digital Fraud.
Earlier, this awareness program was held in Madurai and Trichy. This event is to inform digital users about different types of threats and best practices to safeguard finances.
This is to inform digital users about different types of threats and best practices to safeguard finances.
The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Krishna Moorthy, Additional Superintendent of Police, Coimbatore, in charge of Crimes Against Women and Children and Cybercrime; Praveen Kumar, Sub-Inspector of Police, Cybercrime Division, Coimbatore; Arumugam Retired, Additional Superintendent of Police, Coimbatore City; and cybersecurity experts Krishnakumar Anandan and Anjana.
Around 75 people were part of this awareness campaign. The speakers threw light on various kinds of fraud prevalent in and around Coimbatore.
The audience was informed about fake OTP fraud, Phishing Fraud, Vishing Fraud, Digital Arrest, Financial Loan fraud, Pension fraud and other frauds.
Addressing the audience, Krishna Moorthy underscored the concerning surge in cybercrime across Coimbatore.
“Coimbatore is among the leading districts in cybercrime cases,” he noted, “with nearly 50 incidents reported daily in the city and around 20 in the district.” He attributed this vulnerability to the twin triggers of greed and fear, which fraudsters exploit to deceive victims.
Offering a crucial piece of advice, he urged, “Keep 1930 on speed dial. If you fall victim to cyber fraud, report it immediately to this helpline.”
Elaborating on the various types of scams prevalent in Coimbatore, Praveen Kumar stated, “High-return investment schemes and digital arrest scams account for a significant portion of the financial losses due to cyber fraud.
In the first six months of this year alone, Tamil Nadu has recorded losses exceeding ₹1,000 crores.”
Highlighting Coimbatore’s proactive efforts in combating cybercrime, he added, “In Coimbatore city, approximately ₹49 crores has been lost to cyber fraud during the same period. We have registered 230 FIRs and arrested 35 individuals from across India.
Notably, we have successfully recovered ₹14 crores from fraudsters.”
Injecting a touch of humour into the awareness campaign, Arumugam quipped, “The next time a fraudster asks for your OTP, just tell them it’s 1930. Let’s join forces and knock out digital fraud together!”
The Knockout Digital Fraud programme aligns with the Reserve Bank of India’s 2024 guidelines on Fraud Risk management for NBFCs, which emphasises early detection, staff accountability, and public engagement to make the digital ecosystem safer for everyone.
The programme is focused on drawing citizens’ attention to common financial frauds committed by scammers including fake social media accounts, WhatsApp groups and websites that mimic financial companies, falsely claiming affiliation and impersonating their employees.
Speaking on the occasion, a spokesperson from Bajaj Finance said, “The financial safety of our consumers is paramount to us. We are constantly issuing online and offline advisories, on social media platforms, as well as through on-ground interactions with citizens, encouraging everyone to be cyber safe.”
Knockout Digital Fraud offers the cyber community valuable safety tips on safeguarding personal and sensitive information. This includes refraining from sharing OTPs, PINs, clicking on suspicious emails, SMSs, links, QR codes and downloading applications from unknown sources.
It includes a series of interactive workshops, digital awareness drives, and community outreach programs across major cities and towns.
