LUCKNOW, Aug. 31 -- Determined to stop the trend of cyber conmen defrauding unsuspecting citizens of crores of rupees through digital arrest scams, Lucknow Police have left their desks and taken to the streets. From bustling markets to serene temple courtyards, officers are going door-to-door in a massive awareness campaign aimed at busting the fear factor these fraudsters thrive on. The awareness campaign kicked off during the Janmashtami celebrations, when devotees visiting temples were given pamphlets detailing how these scams operate and how to stay safe. Officers explained the tell-tale signs of fraud and urged people to stay calm if confronted with such threats. Weekends are being chosen as an ideal time to approach more people. From resident welfare societies to temples, people are approached at a place where the numbers are higher. "We're holding awareness sessions with resident welfare associations and meeting citizens personally to explain how these frauds work. On Saturday as well, we held a session with 150 people at Nigohan police station," said additional DCP (South) Vasanth Rallapalli, who is leading the drive. At the ISKON temple in Sushant Golf City, 52-year-old devotee Meera Sharma said the session was an eye-opener. "We come to the temple for peace, but these criminals play on fear. I had no idea such scams existed. The police explained everything so clearly. Now, I know what to do if I get such a call," she said, holding an awareness pamphlet when HT set out with cops in the campaign. The outreach is not limited to temples. In the corridors of a high-rise in Gomtinagar, residents gathered for a police-led awareness session. "In our building WhatsApp group, people were sharing stories of these calls. Frankly, I was worried. Today's session gave us confidence.We even saved the official cyber helpline number in our phones," said 34-year-old software professional Rohit Verma. "The initiative is part of a state-wide cyber awareness programme launched under the guidance of Uttar Pradesh DGP, with police commissioner Amrendra Kumar Sengar overseeing the citywide rollout," said Lucknow's DCP Crime Kamlesh Dixit. "On Thana Samadhan Diwas held on August 23, visitors to PGI police station not only got their grievances addressed, but also walked away armed with crucial cyber safety tips," said the ADCP South. "We have instructed all police stations in Zone South to extend the outreach to schools, colleges, markets, community centres and villages," he added. "Cybercriminals are using new and innovative tactics to exploit fear. Awareness is our strongest weapon," said an officer involved in the campaign. A phone rings and the voice on the other end claims to be from the CBI (Central Bureau of Investigation). In a stern tone, the caller accuses you of money laundering and warns that your bank account is linked to a crime. Moments later, a video call pops up on WhatsApp, where an "officer" in uniform flashes an ID and threatens immediate arrest. The only way out is to pay a "fine" right now and cooperate with the investigation by staying locked. This is the chilling script of digital arrest' scams - the latest cyber fraud being reported across the state and its capital. And the con is working as residents have lost crores to these high-pressure calls. In the latest instance, a 70-year-old retired merchant navy officer and his 100-year-old father lost approximately Rs 1.3 crore....