Call Fraud: Protecting Yourself from the Rising Online Scams in India

Unveiling the Soaring Cases of Online Scams and How They’re Costing People Fortunes

In today’s digital age, the internet has become an integral part of our lives. While it has brought convenience and connectivity, it has also paved the way for a surge in fraudulent activities, particularly in the realm of phone call scams. From phishing emails to bogus job offers and cryptocurrency fraud, online scammers are rapidly evolving their techniques to swindle people out of their hard-earned money. In a recent incident, a woman in Thane was tricked into downloading an app by someone claiming to be a bank employee, resulting in a loss of over 5.24 lakh rupees from her account.

The Unfolding of the Scam

According to sources, a 24-year-old woman residing in Thane fell victim to a scam that left her with a loss exceeding 5.24 lakh rupees. She received a call from an unknown number, where the caller claimed to be a senior bank executive. The scammer went on to inform the woman that she had pending health insurance payments, which needed immediate settlement. In order to facilitate the process, the caller instructed the woman to download an app.

Curious about the impending actions, the woman inquired further. In response, the scammer directed her to download an app via a file shared through the messaging platform. However, as soon as the woman downloaded the file, she received a message stating that 5.24 lakh rupees had been deducted from her account. It was later revealed by the police that the scammers had gained access to her sensitive information through the downloaded app, leading to the unauthorized withdrawal of funds.

How to Stay Safe from Such Scams

Protecting oneself from phone call scams requires vigilance and awareness. Here are some essential steps to safeguard against such fraudulent activities:

1. Be Cautious of Unsolicited Emails and Phone Calls

One of the primary rules to follow is to exercise caution when receiving unsolicited emails or phone calls, especially those requesting personal or financial information. As soon as an unknown caller asks for such details, it’s advisable to hang up and block the number.

2. Verify the Authenticity of the Caller

When in doubt, always verify the identity of the caller. Ask for their name, employee ID, and contact details. Legitimate organizations are more than willing to provide this information.

3. Never Download Files from Unknown Sources

Never download files or apps from unknown sources or links sent via messaging apps, especially if they are not from a trusted source. Always download apps from official app stores.

4. Keep Your Personal Information Secure

Avoid sharing sensitive information such as bank details, Aadhar card information, and OTPs with anyone over the phone, no matter how convincing the caller may sound.

5. Use Caller ID and Spam Protection

Utilize caller ID and spam protection features on your phone. These can help identify and filter out potential scam calls.

In conclusion, online scams are on the rise, and it’s essential to remain vigilant to protect your finances and personal information. By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to call fraud.