From fake calls to OTP fraud, the method of scamming is changing rapidly, know how to be alert

In recent times, incidents of online scams have increased rapidly in India. People using mobile and internet are the first targets of cyber criminals. Cyber ​​criminals use fake phone calls and messages as well as messaging apps, social media platforms and e-mails to defraud people. Generally, they trap people by posing as banks, government agencies, customer support etc. In such a situation, let us know how you should stay safe from the rapidly changing methods of cyber crime.

The most common methods of cyber criminals include fake KYC updates, warnings of account or card block, etc. Criminals steal banking details such as account numbers, card numbers etc. by redirecting people to fake websites. Then methods of finding out OTP or password are adopted. Once this information is obtained, the fraud is carried out.

How will this sequence stop?

Government, banks, regulators and telecom operators are working together to prevent incidents of cyber crime. Despite all this, the incidents of cyber crime are not showing any signs of decreasing. People also need to be cautious. According to experts, the best way to prevent cyber crime is vigilance. The more alert people are, the more they can stay safe from cyber crime.

What are the authorities doing?

Recently, the Department of Telecommunications has launched the Sanchar Sathi app, in which fake calls and messages can be reported. This app provides the facility to report those calls and messages, which are used by cyber criminals to trap people. Not only this, the Reserve Bank and banking authorities advise people not to share information like OTP, password, account details with anyone.

Apart from government authorities, telecom operators also have an important role in stopping cyber crime. The main focus of Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-Idea and BSNL is to stop the rapidly increasing incidents of cyber crime. Telecom operators are resorting to various methods such as spam filtering, scam detection and customer awareness initiatives to curb incidents of fraud.

What is OTP fraud alert feature?

Airtel has recently rolled out the OTP fraud alert feature for its users, which is designed in such a way that as soon as they receive an OTP during a call, they get an alert on the screen. This feature identifies fake calls and alerts people. The company has used AI i.e. Artificial Intelligence tool for this feature. At the same time, Vodafone-Idea has also launched a tool to block suspicious calls and messages at the network level. Other telecom operators are also bringing such features.

How to avoid cyber fraud?

Due to the rapidly growing digital infrastructure and changing technology, keeping yourself safe from cyber fraud is a big challenge. People need to take care of some basic things.

• Ignore calls, messages etc. coming from any unknown number.
• Do not click on the link given in the message received from an unknown number.
• Report calls coming in the name of government officials or customer care.
• Never search customer care number on Google.
• Always open bank websites only on secured networks.
• Always type the URL to open a website.
• Do not get lured by any prize, lottery or good returns on investment etc.
• If any fraud has happened to you, then immediately report it to the National Cyber ​​Crime Portal.
• You can also report by calling the National Cyber ​​Fraud Helpline number 1930.

Also read – Cheating is being done through fake website of IRCTC, government issued warning