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Chandigarh: In a major push to curb rising cybercrime, Haryana Police has accelerated the rollout of a Double OTP / Dual Authentication system, aimed specifically at preventing “digital arrest” scams and other online financial frauds. The initiative was reviewed at a high-level meeting held at the state Police Headquarters under the guidance of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini.

The meeting, chaired by ADGP Cyber Shibash Kabiraj, assessed progress and outlined a roadmap to expand the system across the state. Senior cyber officials, including SP Cyber Mayank Gupta, and representatives from leading banks participated in the deliberations.

Focused protection for senior citizens: DGP 

The initiative is currently targeted at individuals aged 60 or older, who are most vulnerable to scams such as fake police calls, investment frauds, and impersonation. Describing it as a “suraksha shield,” Director General of Police Ajay Singhal said the system directly addresses the psychological tactics used by cyber criminals.
“Fraudsters exploit fear and pressure. This additional layer of authentication will play a decisive role in preventing such crimes,” he noted.

Pilot success in Gurugram and Panchkula

Officials informed that the system has already been piloted in Gurugram and Panchkula, where it has shown significant success in preventing fraudulent transactions. The initiative has been implemented in collaboration with HDFC Bank, which provided technical support.

Encouraged by the results, Haryana Police is now working to scale the model statewide, with participation from major banks including Axis Bank, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Canara Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bank of Baroda, Union Bank of India, and Yes Bank.

How the Double OTP system works

The system introduces an additional security layer to counter manipulation-based fraud:

• First step: A standard OTP is sent to the account holder’s mobile number
• Second step: A second OTP or verification call is sent to a trusted nominee (family member/friend)
• Final step: The transaction is processed only after both authentications are verified

This creates a “protective pause”, especially useful in cases where fraudsters pressure victims into hurried transactions.

Technology + human intervention approach

Officials emphasised that, unlike traditional cybersecurity tools, which focus on hacking attempts, the Double OTP model addresses social engineering fraud, in which victims unknowingly authorise transactions.

ADGP Kabiraj highlighted that the initiative reflects a citizen-centric policing model that combines technology with human oversight to prevent irreversible financial losses.

Public advisory and next steps

Haryana Police has urged senior citizens to:

• Activate the Double OTP feature in their bank accounts
• Nominate a trusted family member for secondary verification
• Immediately report suspicious calls or pressure tactics to police helplines

With plans to expand the system across all districts, authorities believe the initiative could significantly reduce cyber fraud cases, especially the growing menace of “digital arrest” scams, and set a model for other states to follow.