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Written By: HARISH MANAV/ THE NEWS DOSE.COM
Chandigarh: As roses and chocolates flood social media feeds this Valentine’s week, the Punjab Police have struck a cautionary note, blending romance with a strong cyber safety message. In an innovative outreach campaign rolled out across platforms, the police are using the language of love to warn citizens that online affection can sometimes mask financial and identity fraud.
Launched from Chandigarh, the week-long awareness drive cleverly aligns with Valentine’s Day staples—Rose Day, Chocolate Day, Teddy Day, and Propose Day—to highlight the growing risks of cyber crime. With pastel-themed creatives and catchy taglines, the campaign may appear playful on the surface, but officials emphasise that the underlying message is serious.
“Let kindness bloom like a rose, don’t let fake news prick others,” reads one post. Another caution: “Share chocolates, not OTPs or personal data. Some offers look tempting like chocolate—verify before you click.” On Teddy Day, users were reminded that not every “cute-looking profile” is genuine, while a Propose Day message urged citizens to “pause before you trust—verify before you fall.”
The digital initiative comes amid a sharp spike in cyber crime across Punjab. According to official data, the state’s cyber crime helpline received over 35,000 complaints in 2024—an 82 per cent jump from the previous year. Financial losses have reportedly crossed ₹476 crore, underscoring how costly a single careless click can prove.
Certain districts have been particularly affected. In Ludhiana alone, investors are estimated to have lost nearly ₹70 crore in online investment scams last year. Police have also cracked down on large-scale “digital arrest” rackets, where fraudsters impersonate law enforcement officers to extort money by threatening victims with fabricated legal action.
Beyond financial fraud, authorities have flagged the disturbing rise of honey-trap schemes and social media manipulation. Investigations have revealed instances of criminals using sophisticated software to alter voices and impersonate women or security personnel, extracting sensitive personal and financial information. In separate crackdowns, dozens of suspects have been arrested and multiple digital devices seized in connection with online child exploitation and blackmail cases.
Senior officials say the Valentine’s-themed campaign is aimed particularly at young internet users, who are more likely to engage with unfamiliar profiles, promotional links and dating platforms during the season. By couching hard-hitting cyber advice in relatable, festive messaging, the police hope to widen their reach and ensure the warnings resonate.
The campaign will continue through the remainder of the week, reinforcing a simple but urgent message: celebrate love, but stay alert online. In an era where scams can hide behind a rose emoji or a charming profile picture, vigilance—not vulnerability—is the safest expression of trust.
