Ranchi: Cybercriminals are increasingly targeting not only ordinary citizens but also elected representatives in Jharkhand, with several lawmakers sharing personal experiences of fraudulent calls, fake prize offers, bank-related scams and social media impersonation during a digital safety programme in Ranchi.
The interactive session, titled “Future of Digital Safety and Policy,” was organised at the old State Assembly premises by Cyber Peace, The Asia Foundation, Bal Kalyan Sangh and the Jharkhand Vidhan Sabha Secretariat. The programme focused on cyber security, deepfakes, strong passwords, safe online practices and the need for stronger cybercrime laws.
MLAs Share Personal Fraud Attempts
Ranchi MLA C.P. Singh said he had received a phone call claiming that he had won a cash prize of ₹1 lakh. The incident was cited as an example of a common fraud tactic in which victims are lured through attractive offers before being asked to share personal or banking details.
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Hatia MLA Navin Jaiswal said he had received a call from someone impersonating a bank manager and offering jobs for several of his supporters. He also recalled another caller claiming to have discovered hidden gold treasure while digging the ground. Such calls, he said, are designed to manipulate people through emotional or financial inducements.
Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Manjhi said that before the State Assembly elections, cybercriminals circulated a fake video involving Chief Minister Hemant Soren and his wife, Kalpana Soren, allegedly to damage their public image. She warned that deepfakes and fabricated digital content pose a serious threat to democratic processes and public trust.
Speaker Seeks Stricter Cybercrime Laws
Jharkhand Assembly Speaker Rabindra Nath Mahto stressed the need for stronger legal provisions to deal with cybercrime. He said cyber offences are becoming more sophisticated and both the Central and State governments should consider stricter laws to ensure that serious cyber offenders do not easily secure bail.
According to him, tougher legal measures could act as a deterrent against cybercriminals and help protect citizens as well as public representatives from digital threats.
Despite the importance of the subject, only three of the 81 Members of the Legislative Assembly attended the programme.
Experts Warn Against Deepfakes And Impersonation
Experts at the session highlighted safe digital practices, including the use of strong passwords, caution while using public Wi-Fi, regular software updates and careful verification of audio and video content that may be deepfaked.
They said cybercriminals are increasingly targeting public figures, elected representatives and influential individuals through fake social media profiles, deepfake videos, prize scams, fraudulent job offers and calls impersonating bank officials.
Participants were advised to verify suspicious calls, messages and social media activity before responding. Citizens were also urged not to share personal information, banking credentials or OTPs with unknown individuals and to report suspected cyber fraud to the appropriate authorities without delay.
