DMET Club Sunday Citadel Welcomes Shashank Sharma: A Crusader Against Cyber Crime
Date: Sunday, November 10, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM IST
Topic: Cyber Crime Awareness
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 869 8852 8167
Passcode: DMET
This Sunday, DMET Club’s Citadel welcomes a guest speaker who has turned personal tragedy into a powerful mission. Shashank Sharma, an alumnus of DMET and a passionate cybercrime activist, will share his journey from being a victim of an elaborate cyber fraud to becoming an advocate for cyber safety. The event promises to be an eye-opener for those interested in understanding the harsh realities of cybercrime, and it is especially crucial for anyone seeking to protect themselves in today’s increasingly digital world.
The Personal Struggle that Ignited a Movement
Shashank Sharma is not just another speaker on cybercrime; he is someone who has lived through it. His crusade against cyber fraud began in October 2023, when he fell prey to an online financial scam, losing a staggering ₹81.28 lakhs. The scam was disguised as a “Prepaid Welfare Task” on Telegram, cleverly camouflaged as a part-time job opportunity — a category now commonly known as the "Part-Time Job Scam" in cyber circles.
What makes his story even more shocking is the extent to which the scammers went to defraud him. Out of the total loss, ₹75 lakhs were taken as loans from 12 different banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs). The fraudsters exploited loopholes in the financial system, collaborating with Direct Selling Agents (DSAs) and even some bank employees to secure these loans. Only a fraction of these loans — about ₹19.15 lakhs — were genuinely applied for by Shashank himself. The rest were manipulated and sanctioned by the fraudsters.
The Unfolding of the Cyber Fraud
The scam unfolded over the course of two months, leaving Shashank reeling under its impact. After realizing he had been duped, he immediately reported the crime to the cyber-crime police on December 2, 2023. However, bureaucratic delays meant that his FIR was only officially lodged on February 26, 2024, nearly two and a half months later.
In the interim, Shashank took matters into his own hands by hiring a cyber expert advocate to recover his stolen funds. Despite his efforts and a court order to recover ₹24.5 lakhs, the slow-moving legal machinery has only managed to retrieve ₹4.5 lakhs so far. Even this amount came with its challenges; for instance, a sum of ₹1.53 lakhs recovered by the bank was directly adjusted against a loan he had taken, leaving him no access to the recovered amount.
The Unfair System of First-Come, First-Served
Shashank’s ordeal is compounded by the flawed approach financial institutions take towards multi-victim cyber fraud cases. As there is no Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in place, banks operate on a First-Come, First-Served (FCFS) basis. This means that victims who manage to lodge their complaints early are prioritized, irrespective of the severity or the timing of the fraud. Shashank, unfortunately, found himself at a disadvantage due to the delays in lodging his FIR and securing a court order.
Cyber Crime Mukt Bharat Initiative
In the face of such challenges, Shashank Sharma chose to channel his frustration into something positive. He founded the Cyber Crime Mukt Bharat Initiative, a platform dedicated to educating the public about cybercrime, online scams, and digital safety.
Through his channel, Shashank aims to arm individuals with the knowledge and tools needed to protect themselves against cyber threats. The initiative offers practical advice on recognizing scams, reporting cyber fraud, and safeguarding personal information in the digital age. His mission is to empower citizens to fight back, ensuring a cyber-resilient future for India.
What to Expect from Shashank Sharma’s Session
Join us on November 10, 2024, at 12:00 PM IST for a powerful session on Cyber Crime Awareness. During the Citadel event, Shashank will cover:
His personal experience with online financial fraud and its aftermath.
Insights into how scammers operate, particularly within the domain of part-time job scams on platforms like Telegram.
Legal avenues for victims, including how to report cybercrime and the challenges of the recovery process.
Preventive measures to protect yourself from falling prey to online scams.
The work of the Cyber Crime Mukt Bharat Initiative and how you can get involved.
Don’t Miss This Opportunity
This session is an unmissable event for anyone looking to better understand the cybercrime landscape and how to protect themselves. Whether you are a student, professional, or just a concerned citizen, Shashank Sharma’s insights will leave you better equipped to navigate the digital world safely.
Mark your calendars for this enlightening session and join us in supporting the movement towards a cyber crime-free India. Let’s unite for a safer digital future!
Date: November 10, 2024 Time: 12:00 PM IST Platform: DMET Club Sunday Citadel Topic: Cyber Crime Awareness with Shashank Sharma