With cybercrime reaching new highs and criminals dreaming up new ways to trick us, Whether it be fake calls or phishing messages, you must stay on your guard against these common tricks that fraudsters have up their sleeves. So, below are some common cyber scams and quick tips that you can use to spot and avoid these threats.
Cyber Scams: That Are Common And You Should Be Aware Of
The list below includes a range of scams and phishing techniques in the wild today. By understanding these schemes, you can arm yourself in order to stay ahead his fraudsters.
Telecom Disconnection Scams
- TRAI disconnection phone calls are a scam, donald payer via X pool Ignore such calls.
- Phony package delivery alerts purportedly from FedEx and a courier.
- So are calls about packages, and the ones asking you to press certain numbers.
Police or Government Identification Fraud
- If someone calls you pretending to be a police officer and talking about your Aadhaar details, then it is fake.
‘Digital Arrest’ Threats
- Any talk of you being placed under so-called digital arrest is a scam: police
Drug Trafficking Accusations
- Owning and traveling in a drug-related packaging found with you is false;
Digital Payment Scams
- As UPI and digital transactions become most favorite these days, conmen too have evolved their game to APPEAR sophisticated. Look out for these situations:
Fake UPI Payment Errors
- If you receive a message or call stating that they sent money to your UPI ID by mistake, do not return the amount immediately. Check with Cyber Crime Police at 1930
Fake WhatsApp & SMS Links
- Do not click on links you did not request, and do not talk to any strange numbers.
Online Sales Overpayment scams
- Caution: If someone is from the army or CRPF and pays in full for things such as cars or furniture, they only want to “buy” them.
Fake Food Delivery Confirmation Calls
Whenever Swiggy or Zomato calls you to press a button to confirm your address — please note it down, this is also a scam.
Cancelling Orders OTP Scams
- Do not ever provide any OTP to anyone over the phone.
- Dealing with the calls and messages that seem shady
- Follow these simple guidelines to not become a victim of a phone scam:
- Never Pick Up A Video Call From An Unknown Number
- This will shield you from video scams and the theft of your identity.
Learn How to Protect Yourself
Block Suspicious Numbers
- If a caller sounds suspicious, then just disconnect and use a number blocker.
Be Cautious with Links
- Do not click on any blue-text links in messages or emails until verified.
- Bouncing Back from So-Called Official Summons and Notices
- There are also scammers posing as government officials This is how best to deal with those situations:
Verify All ‘Official’ Notices
- Verify notices professing to be from police or government offices nearby or with a specialist.
Do Not Answer ‘Court Summons’ Phone Calls
- Summons: summons are served in person. If you are unsure, ask for your judge’s name or courtroom.
Beware of Fake Police Calls
- REVEAL NO LOCATION OR CITY Instruct them to issue the summonses to your local police department.
Protecting Your Financial Data
10 tips on how to keep your financial information secure:
- STAY AWAY FROM SHARING DEBIT OR CREDIT CARD DETAILS
- Avoid asking for critical card details like CVV and expiry date on call.
- Use Call-Identification Apps
- As we know, spam or fraud calls, many times we receive unknown or strange calls.
- Implement a Second Step before Responding to Any Financial Requests
- When someone tells you that a friend needs money, double-verifies them directly with that person.
- Investment and Loan Scams
- Another popular target for scammers are individuals looking to invest in or borrow money. Avoid the traps below:
- Do not Take Stock Tips from Unfamiliar People
- Ignore calls for guaranteed profits on stocks or crypto.
- Avoid Work-From-Home Scams
- These scams usually ask you to pay money as an advance. There’s usually no real job.
- Beware of Easy Loan Apps
- Such apps entice them into taking a loan that they cannot repay as it attracts very high interest.
Dont Let That Be You: Safety Reminder
Think for a Moment What You Are Doing: Do not act immediately on the signals you receive through information messages or calls incoming mobile weight to your smartphones. Traitors leverage fear and urgency.
Thirdly, you should track your bank statements and ensure that you are checking your account for any suspicious happenings.
Avoid Posting Sensitive Information Online: Not the best idea to post on public forums.
Report Scams: Go to cybercrime. Due to this, people can also lodge a complaint by visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in.
Last Note: Cyber Fraudsters, Protect Yourself
Cyber fraud can happen to anyone, but if you are aware and careful, you will not be the victim.
Keep this in mind: no real agency is going to call you and ask for cash or specific else details over the telephone. Be resourceful, check out anything suspicious, and stay protected on the internet.