PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
The Special Task Force (STF) has issued an important advisory asking parents to stay alert about the rising number of cyber crimes linked to online gaming. The STF senior superintendent of police Ajai Singh said that cyber criminals are increasingly using mobile games and online apps to target children.
He said that many parents give smartphones to their children for online classes or studies but do not regularly monitor their online activities. Criminals take advantage of this situation by sending fake links, gaming rewards, and fraudulent websites to trap young users.
According to the STF, children are often attracted by offers of free game coins, rewards or level upgrades. While trying to claim these offers, they may click on suspicious links and unknowingly share sensitive information such as bank card details, UPI IDs, passwords or OTPs. This allows cyber criminals to steal money from family bank accounts. In many cases, children do not even realise that they have become victims of cyber fraud.
The STF also warned parents to watch for changes in their children’s behaviour. If a child suddenly becomes quiet, isolated or spends excessive time online, it may be a sign that they are facing cyberbullying, emotional manipulation or harmful online content.
Parents have been advised to regularly check their children’s mobile phones, remove suspicious apps, set screen time limits and keep banking information out of their reach. They should also teach children not to click on unknown links or download apps without permission.
