India’s cybersecurity agency ‘CERT-In’ on Sunday issued an advisory in view of rising cases of cyber fraud, including ‘digital arrests’. Here, a dozen ways scammers commit online fraud are explained. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday also warned people against such frauds in his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ programme.
The Computer Emergency Response Team of India (CERT-In) said the “Digital Arrest” was a cyber scam. Government agencies never use platforms like WhatsApp or Skype. In this type of fraud, victims receive phone calls, emails or messages claiming that they are being investigated for illegal activity such as theft or money laundering.
Thereafter, the online scammer threatens the victim with arrest or legal action if immediate action is not taken. Create panic within the victim. He was then forced to transfer money in the name of helping him get out. But in times like these, no one needs to worry or panic. In this case, the frightened person could lose a large sum of money.
The advice emphasizes that people should not move money under any pressure. “If someone is asking for money over the phone or online, it’s likely a scam. It’s important to stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself against this emerging cyber threat,” it said. ‘Mankibaat’.
Prime Minister Modi said that online fraud has affected all sections of society. He has a mantra when this happens: “Stop, think and act.” Investigative agencies are working with states to address this issue, but raising awareness is important to protect ourselves from this type of crime. “Beware of fraud such as digital arrests,” the Prime Minister said.
No investigative agency conducts such investigations by phone or video call. In such cases, a report should be made to the National Cyber Security Helpline at 1930 or to the police via www.cybercrime.gov.in. Phishing scams, lottery scams and other online fraud are also mentioned in this advisory.
In addition to this, people are also being scammed through online dating scams, job search scams, technical help scams, investment scams, etc. Investment scams are very common in this area. Cyber thugs lure people to invest by promising them huge returns, then scam them out of their money and run away. In cash on delivery scams, criminals set up fake online stores.
Here people accept cash on delivery orders. They then defraud money by shipping fake goods. Additionally, scammers will create credible websites or social media profiles to solicit donations for bogus causes such as disaster relief or health initiatives. Use pictures or stories like this to see who gets emotional and send them money.
