Ahead of Ghuspaithiya release, 15 survivors share their traumatic stories at cyber crime awareness event

In a pioneering effort to raise awareness about the rampant issue of cyber crimes, 15 brave survivors, at an event recently shared their harrowing experiences through the viral #MyGhuspaithiyaStory trend helmed by the makers of the movie Ghuspaithiya. These individuals narrated their deeply rooted stories of cyber threats, crimes, and phone tapping, shedding light on the profound impact these invasions have had on their lives.

The event, hailed as a “never-seen-before” initiative, created an unparalleled platform where survivors could voice their struggles and triumphs. Susi Ganeshan, the mastermind behind Ghuspaithiya, and producer Manjari Susi Ganeshan, attended the event to offer their support and boost the morale of these courageous individuals.

The victims shared their real-life incidents of falling into the traps of cyberbullying and crime. “I was asked to pay for a better job opportunity at a very well-reputed company. They asked me to pay a certain amount for a specific post, which was big for my pocket, but I still paid. After a few days, I understood that I was trapped in a cybercrime when there was no response from anyone when I tried reaching them,” said one woman. “I felt utterly betrayed and hopeless, realizing how easily I was deceived.”

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Another victim recounted, “I was lured into investing a large amount of money with promises of huge profits. When the money was gone, I finally understood that I had fallen into a cybercrime trap. It was devastating to lose my hard-earned savings in such a deceitful manner.”

Not just women or youngsters, but even senior citizens have been victimized. A 70-year-old senior citizen shared her story: “A very close acquaintance asked me for money, citing a need for monetary help. Trusting him, I gave him the money, but he disappeared and never returned. It was a harsh lesson in how vulnerable we all are to such scams.”

Another survivor narrated a terrifying incident that proves how social media can be a curse if one is not alert. While sharing her story, the survivor said,: “I met someone on Facebook and we became friends. He needed 30,000 rupees for his sick mother, and I trusted him and sent the money. Later, he claimed he lost his job and asked for help finding work and a flight ticket to Mumbai. I booked the ticket, but he never showed up, and his phone was off. I was devastated to realize I had been scammed.”

From senior citizens to youngsters, homemakers to working professionals— anybody can fall prey to the malicious cyber crimes, and hence awareness on cyber security is crucial in today’s era.

This unique gathering sought not only to promote the film but also to foster a community of awareness and support, highlighting the life-altering effects of cyber crimes and the importance of cybersecurity. The survivors’ testimonies served as powerful reminders of the real-world dangers lurking in the digital realm and underscored the urgent need for protective measures.

As Ghuspaithiya prepares for its release on August 9, 2024, this event stands as a testament to the film’s commitment to sparking crucial conversations and encouraging proactive steps against cyber threats. The combined force of cinematic storytelling and survivor advocacy promises to leave a lasting impact on audiences and society alike.

Directed by the visionary Susi Ganeshan, Ghuspaithiya features a stellar cast including Vineet Kumar Singh, Urvashi Rautela, and Akshay Oberoi. The film delves into the dark world of cyber infiltration and data breaches, bringing to the forefront the urgent need for vigilance in our digitally dominated lives. The movie has been produced by M. Ramesh Reddy, Jyotika Shenoy, and Manjari Susi Ganeshan.