With cyber scams on the rise in Jharkhand, the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has issued a public alert, warning citizens about the latest methods cybercriminals are using to target unsuspecting individuals. Jharkhand has seen an increase in cyber fraud, with criminals evolving their techniques beyond traditional OTP and bank scams. Now, scams range from honey traps and digital arrest threats to scams promising quick riches. This shift has pushed the CID to issue preventive advice, helping residents identify red flags and avoid falling victim to fraud.
The CID, in collaboration with the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center (I4C), has identified 10 common methods used by scammers and has compiled a list of precautionary steps to help people stay vigilant.
Top 10 Common Cyber Fraud Tactics Used in Jharkhand
- Suspicious Parcel Scam
- In this tactic, scammers call individuals, posing as customs officials and claim a suspicious parcel in their name has been seized. They blackmail victims for money, threatening further legal issues if they don’t comply.
- Prevention Tip: Hang up immediately and report the caller.
- Phone Number Deactivation Scam
- Cybercriminals pretend to be from telecom authorities, claiming that suspicious activity on your mobile number will lead to its deactivation. In reality, TRAI never calls customers for deactivation.
- Prevention Tip: Report such calls, and confirm any service issues directly with your telecom provider.
- Digital Arrest Threat
- Scammers pose as police officers, threatening victims with a “digital arrest.” They blackmail people for money under the pretense of resolving the issue quietly.
- Prevention Tip: Know that digital arrests are not real. Hang up and verify the identity of the caller if you feel threatened.
- Family Member Arrest Scam
- In this tactic, scammers claim a close relative has been arrested for a crime, demanding money to “manage the case” or secure the release.
- Prevention Tip: Before paying or sharing any information, verify the family member’s whereabouts directly with other relatives.
- Get Rich Quick Schemes
- Scammers lure people into investing in fake trading platforms by promising high returns on investments. They often use social media to reach victims.
- Prevention Tip: Avoid any scheme offering high returns with little to no effort. Verify the credibility of investment opportunities through reliable sources.
- Reward-for-Task Fraud
- In this scam, individuals are asked to perform simple tasks in return for a reward. Once they complete the task, they are asked for a fee or deposit to claim the reward, which is never given.
- Prevention Tip: Avoid schemes offering money or rewards for simple tasks. Legitimate companies do not ask for fees in exchange for rewards.
- Credit Card Verification Scam
- Scammers call victims under the pretense of detecting fraudulent activity on their credit card. They then ask for verification details, which they use to steal funds.
- Prevention Tip: Always contact your bank directly if you receive such a call and avoid sharing sensitive information over the phone.
- Accidental Money Transfer Scam
- In this scam, scammers call to inform that they have “mistakenly” transferred money into your account, asking you to send it back. After the money is sent, it’s often unrecoverable.
- Prevention Tip: Verify any unexpected funds in your account with your bank before making a return transaction.
- KYC Expiration Scam
- Scammers use KYC updates as a reason to call and request personal information, often gaining unauthorized access to bank accounts in the process.
- Prevention Tip: Always update KYC details in person or through your bank’s official channels, and never over unsolicited calls.
- Tax Refund Scam
- Posing as tax officials, scammers offer “tax refunds” and request bank details to transfer the amount. However, the tax department already has all necessary details.
- Prevention Tip: Avoid sharing banking information in response to unsolicited tax-related calls, as refunds are usually handled through official tax portals.
How to Stay Safe from Cyber Scams: CID’s Top Safety Tips
- Verify Before Taking Action: Always double-check information before following through with any requests for money or personal information.
- Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Refrain from clicking on unexpected or suspicious links sent via SMS, email, or social media.
- Confirm Transactions with Your Bank: Before conducting any transaction based on a phone call, speak with your bank to ensure it is legitimate.
- Report Suspicious Calls or Numbers: If you receive a suspicious call, report it to the authorities. Jharkhand’s cyber cell is dedicated to assisting citizens in tackling cyber fraud.
- Be Skeptical of High Returns: Scams often promise exaggerated returns or rewards to entice people into quick decisions. If an offer seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Avoid Sharing Personal Details: Cybercriminals often obtain access to accounts by getting personal information. Be cautious when sharing details over the phone.
CID’s Efforts to Curb Cybercrime in Jharkhand
The CID has also announced that it is working on implementing new technologies to monitor and prevent cybercrime, as the methods used by scammers become more advanced. The police are working to spread awareness through campaigns and social media alerts, helping citizens to stay vigilant and protect themselves from scams.
By staying informed about common fraud tactics and being vigilant, residents of Jharkhand can help reduce cybercrime in the state and protect themselves from these persistent scams.
