Advisory on Cybercrime: Protect Yourself from Scams
Dear All,
Cybercrimes are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and fraudsters are constantly evolving new methods to trick individuals into disclosing sensitive information or parting with their money. The following advisory aims to help you stay safe and recognize common scams:
1. TRAI Call Scam: If you receive a call claiming that TRAI is going to disconnect your phone, *do not respond*. This is a scam.
2. FedEx Package Scam: If you receive a call claiming to be from FedEx about a package and are asked to press a button or provide information, *do not respond*. It is a scam.
3. Aadhaar Scam: If a supposed police officer calls you regarding your Aadhaar details, *do not respond*. This is a scam.
4. Digital Arrest Scam: If someone tells you that you are under ‘digital arrest,’ *do not respond*. This is a scam.
5. Drugs or Package Scam: If someone claims drugs have been discovered in a package meant for you or sent by you, *do not respond*. This is a scam.
6. Secrecy Threats: If they tell you not to inform anyone about the situation, *do not listen*. Immediately inform the Cyber Crime Police at 1930.
7. WhatsApp or SMS Scam: Do not respond to unsolicited messages or calls received through WhatsApp or SMS. They are likely scams.
8. UPI Fraud: If someone calls claiming that money was sent to your UPI ID by mistake and asks for it to be returned, *do not respond*. This is a scam.
9. Fake Buyers: If someone claims to want to buy your car, sofa, washing machine, etc., and pretends to be from the army or CRPF, *do not respond*. It is a scam.
10. Fake Delivery Services: If someone claims to be from Swiggy, Zomato, or another delivery service and asks you to confirm your address or press a key on your phone, *do not respond*. It is a scam.
11. OTP Scam: Never share your OTP (One-Time Password) with anyone over the phone or through messages, regardless of the situation. *Do not respond to requests for OTP to "cancel orders"*—this is a common scam.
12. Video Call Scam: Never answer calls on video mode from unknown or unverified sources. This can be used to record or manipulate you.
13. Confused? If you're unsure, *simply turn off your phone* and block the number.
14. Suspicious Links: Never click on blue-colored links or any links sent to you from unknown sources. These may lead to phishing websites.
15. Fake Notices: If you receive a notice from high-ranking authorities such as the Police, CBI, ED, or IT Department, *verify it offline* before taking any action.
16. Government Communication: Always check official government portals to verify if any communication claiming to be from an authority is legitimate.
17. Personal Information Protection: *Do not share any personal information*, such as your address, phone number, Aadhaar, PAN, or date of birth, over the phone or through messages.
Even if they have your details, *do not confirm or deny* them. Simply end the conversation and block the number.
How to Safeguard Yourself:
- Cut the Call: If you receive suspicious calls, *immediately cut the call*.
- Block the Number: After ending the call, block the number to prevent future contact.
- Do Not Press Any Keys: If you're asked to press any key during a call, *do not press any keys*. Hang up and block the number.
- Stay Calm: If you feel pressured, intimidated, or rushed into making a decision, *it’s a scam*. Fraudsters often use such tactics to make you act hastily.
Additional Tip for Online Banking:
- Avoid using smartphones for banking transactions. Instead, consider using old mobile phones with keypads for security reasons.
What To Do If You Get Trapped:
- Report to the Cyber Police: If you have been scammed or have fallen victim to fraud, *report it to the local Cyber Crime Police* immediately. Even if it involves sensitive personal information, do not hesitate. Remember, *fraudsters exploit your hesitation*.