Sambalpur: Four victims of cyber fraud in Sambalpur district have been returned Rs 45 lakh lost in separate online scams, police said Sunday.
The money was returned during a special programme held at the Sambalpur district police headquarters, where Superintendent of Police Mukesh Kumar Bhamoo handed over cheques to the victims.
Shyam Dora received Rs 12 lakh, while Manas Kumar Mukhopadhyay, who had reportedly lost about Rs 26 lakh, received Rs 12.5 lakh.
Ramesh Chandra Biswal, who lost around Rs 85 lakh, received Rs 16 lakh. Ajay Minz was handed a cheque of Rs 4.5 lakh against his reported loss of Rs 26 lakh.
Another Rs 12 lakh belonging to Minz has been put on hold in a bank account and is expected to be recovered soon, the SP said.
Bhamu said Odisha Police was giving priority to cybercrime awareness and investigation.
Police have been able to block fraudulent transactions and recover victims’ money through court procedures, he said.
He urged people not to click on unknown links, share passwords or one-time passwords (OTPs), or fall for fake investment schemes promising quick and high returns.
People who fall victim to cyber fraud should immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline at 1930 or approach the nearest police station, he said.