Honey-trapping people and kidnapping them for ransom was already common in Sindh and has now been adopted by gangs in parts of Punjab
Since September last year, five cases of abduction for ransom have been reported in Lahore
The suspects are believed to be based in riverine areas along the banks of the Indus River, which spans up to hundreds of kilometres in Sindh and South Punjab
Victims are usually lured by suspects with the promise of cheap tractors, livestock and other things
Female voices are also used to build romantic relationships and entice victims to visit the area
Over time, such tactics have become more convincing due to the use of digital devices and tools to create fake profiles on social media applications
The criminal-minded have exploited vulnerable people, but what is alarming is people’s inclination to fall for such tactics
Even though it is now much easier to identify fake profiles or track people through their online activity, most people lack awareness about cyber scams and fraud
Users do not verify information or advertisements before providing their personal details or paying a visit to criminals
This rising crime needs to be nipped in the bud as criminal-minded individuals and groups across the country can use honey-trapping to lure the more vulnerable segments of society including women and children
In south Punjab, the regional police office has already initiated an awareness campaign to make the public aware of kidnapping through honey traps
Perhaps, the Federal Investigation Agency can lend the local police a helping hand in trying to trace criminals and enable victims to report individuals who they suspect of honey-trapping
Besides raising awareness about honey traps, people need to be informed about online safety
Tailored campaigns should be initiated to discourage people from communicating or meeting with strangers, particularly those who are promising them something
Published in The Express Tribune, February 20th, 2023
Like Opinion & Editorial on Facebook, follow @ETOpEd on Twitter to receive all updates on all our daily pieces
| Date: | 21-Feb-2023 | Reference: | View Original Link |
|---|