In recent times, cases of online fraud have increased rapidly in India. Cyber criminals mainly target mobile and internet users. These criminals commit fraud using methods ranging from fake phone calls and text messages to messaging apps, social media platforms and email. They often trap people by posing as representatives of banks, government agencies or customer support services. Here’s how you can protect yourself from these rapidly growing forms of cybercrime…
Common methods used by cyber criminals include requests for fake KYC updates and warnings about account or card blocking. Criminals steal sensitive banking information like account and card numbers by sending people to fake websites. After this they use different methods to obtain OTP or password. Once they get this information, the fraud is carried out.
How can this trend be stopped?
Government, banks, regulators and telecom operators are working together to prevent incidents of cyber crime. However, despite these efforts, there are no signs of reduction in cyber crime incidents. People also need to be cautious. According to experts, vigilance is the best way to prevent cyber crime; The more alert people are, the better they will be able to protect themselves.
What are the officials doing?
Recently, the Department of Telecommunications launched the ‘Sanchar Sathi’ app, which allows users to report fake calls and messages. This app helps in reporting calls and messages that are used by cyber criminals to defraud people. Apart from this, the Reserve Bank and banking officials are constantly advising people not to share sensitive information like OTP, password and account information with anyone.
Apart from government officials, telecom operators also play an important role in combating cyber crime. Airtel, Jio, Vodafone-Idea and BSNL are focusing on stopping the rapidly increasing cyber crime cases. Telecom operators are adopting various measures like spam filtering, scam detection and customer awareness to prevent incidents of fraud.
What is OTP fraud alert feature?
Airtel recently introduced OTP fraud alert feature for its users; It is designed in such a way that an alert appears on the screen when the OTP is received during a call. This feature identifies fake calls and alerts users. The company has used AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools for this feature. At the same time, Vodafone-Idea has also introduced a tool to block suspicious calls and messages at the network level. Other telecom companies are also bringing similar features.
How can you protect yourself from cyber fraud?
With the rapid growth of digital infrastructure and changes in technology, protecting yourself from cyber fraud has become a major challenge. People should take some basic precautions:
Ignore calls or messages from unknown numbers.
Never click on links given in messages from unknown numbers.
Report calls from government officials or customer care representatives.
Never search customer care numbers on Google.
Always use banking websites only on secure networks.
Always type the URL directly to open a website.
Don’t fall for promises of prizes, lotteries or high returns on investments.
If you become a victim of fraud, immediately report it to the National Cyber Crime Portal.
You can also report incidents by calling the National Cyber Fraud Helpline number 1930.
