Online Fraud: Digital Arrest Don’t Panic, Take Action
No government agency threatens people over the phone and demands money, but digital fraudsters introduce themselves as police, CBI, RBI or narcotics officers and they talk with so much confidence that people often get scared and in panic become their victims. Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi said this during his ‘Mann Ki Baat’ program recently and expressed concern over the increasing cases of cyber fraud across the country. He urged the countrymen to have some patience in such times, think over the matter and then complain.
‘A SIM was issued in your name, from which many objectionable messages were sent.’ 58 complaints have been filed against you in Mumbai. A case of money laundering has also been filed against you, in which arrest warrants have been issued. Hearing this, Vinod Kumar, a resident of Kaithal (Haryana), was shocked. After receiving this call from unknown numbers, the victim, fearing CBI and ED, got himself digitally arrested and gave Rs 48 lakh to the fraudsters. Hundreds of such cases are coming to light every day.
In fact, cyber criminals make video calls or audio calls to people to trap them in their net. They create fear of arrest by introducing themselves as a senior officer of some department or police officer. People often agree to give money under the influence of their dignity or prestige in the society. However, the Home Ministry has clarified many times in this regard that such calls are fake, due to which there is a need to be cautious. According to NCRB, 200 cases have been registered in Delhi and NCR region in the last one month. Not only this, 11.28 lakh such cases have come to light in the year 2023. At the same time, 17410 cases of cyber fraud were reported in 2022, 14007 in 2021, while more than 10 thousand cases of cyber fraud were reported in 2020.
Table of Contents
Always Be Alert:
Most of the time people who commit fraud online use social media platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, Skype etc. whereas no government agency ever uses such means of communication.
Pay Attention to These Things:
Fake callers often send messages to people through phone calls and emails, misleading them into believing that they are involved in money laundering, theft or other such activities. Be careful not to pay attention to such calls or messages.
Be Patient:
If the caller threatens you with arrest or legal troubles, do not be afraid of such arguments, rather, be patient. Take special care that you never share your bank details, UPI ID or OTP etc. with such people.
Do not Panic:
You can be fooled by the arguments of fraudsters, therefore do not panic at all. Many times, people start hurrying to answer their questions, which shows nervousness. In such a situation, those people realize that their words are having a complete impact on the other person. In such a situation, keep yourself calm and assess and do not share any personal information on these calls or video calls coming from unknown numbers.
How to Protect Yourself?
Take action against such people. To register your complaint, dial the National Cyber Helpline 1930 or report it on https://cybercrime.gov.in/.
Methods of Cyber Fraud
Cybercrime cases are increasing across the country. In such a situation, today we are going to tell you about the top 3 cybercrime methods trending these days, from which you have to protect yourself. Let us know in which way the thugs empty your account.
Ways to Avoid Cyber Crime
While searching on popular websites to sell or buy some goods, be alert of cyber thugs. They can hack into your account by scanning QR code or sending a link. Cases of such fraud are constantly coming to light.
UPI Fraud:
Without any negotiation, the fraudster will agree to transfer the money to you. You will immediately receive an SMS, which will say that this much money has reached your account, click on this link to approve it. This link will be of any UPI app on your phone. As soon as you click on that link, instead of money coming into your account, it will go away.
What if you are not able to handle it?
NGO Prahar has made a shocking revelation, “If the Cyber Crime is not curbed in India, the number of these cases can reach 1 lakh crore per year by 2033.” The Invisible Hand report claims that in the year 2023, more than 7.9 crore Cyber Attacks have taken place across the country. Cyber Attacks have increased by 15 percent in the last one year. India ranks third in the world in terms of the number of such cases. Prahar President Abhay Mishra says that there are two types of Cyber Attacks, the first involves traditional hackers who take advantage of the vulnerabilities of the system for financial gain, while the second is of a more lethal type, in which citizens are forced to engage in anti-national activities through manipulation, coercion and threats.
QR Code Fraud:
If you are selling something on a popular website, the fraudster will send you a QR code. He will ask you to scan this code with the UPI app. You will be told that as soon as you scan it, money will be transferred to your account. If you scan it and enter the UPI pin, understand that instead of money coming to your account, it will go away. Many times, the same fraudster will contact you again and say that he had sent another QR code by mistake and he wants to return the money. In the name of returning the money, another QR code will come and if you make a mistake here too, then you will lose money again.
Fake Payment Receipt:
If you are selling any goods, the fraudster will ask you to send the goods and will send you a fake payment receipt like a screenshot of NEFT transfer or a screenshot of a bank message saying that he has transferred the money. There must be some problem in the bank server, you will get the money in a short while.
Precautionary Tips:
- Avoid chatting with unknown buyers on social media platforms like WhatsApp or Messenger.
- Do not be hasty in buying or selling, take full caution while taking or giving online payment.
- Do not share any personal or financial information except when necessary.
