Advisory Tips on Cyber Crimes in India

With the increasing penetration of the internet and digital platforms, cybercrime has become a significant concern in India. Cybercriminals use various tactics to steal sensitive information, commit fraud, and harm individuals or businesses. Awareness and preventive measures are key to safeguarding against these crimes. Here are some important advisory tips to help you stay protected from cybercrime in India.

1. Protect Personal Information Avoid sharing sensitive information like your Aadhar number, PAN card details, bank account information, or passwords on unsecured platforms. Be cautious when sharing personal details on social media, as they can be used for identity theft. Use multi-factor authentication (MFA) wherever possible to add an extra layer of security to your accounts.
2. Use Strong Passwords Create strong, unique passwords using a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using common passwords like “password123” or birthdates. Use password managers to store and generate secure passwords. Change your passwords regularly and avoid reusing them across multiple accounts.
3. Beware of Phishing Scams Do not click on suspicious links in emails or text messages, even if they seem to come from legitimate sources like banks or government agencies. Always verify the sender’s email address and contact information before responding to any requests for personal or financial information. Install anti-phishing software or browser extensions to detect and block phishing attempts.
4. Secure Your Devices Install antivirus software and keep it updated to protect your computer and smartphone from malware and viruses. Keep your operating systems and apps updated to the latest versions to avoid vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Avoid downloading apps or software from unverified sources, as they can contain malware. Always enable firewalls on your computer to add an extra layer of security.
5. Be Careful with Online Transactions Make sure to use only trusted and secure websites (those with “https://”) for online transactions. Avoid using public Wi-Fi for banking or shopping transactions, as they are less secure and more prone to hacking. Use virtual private networks (VPNs) when accessing sensitive accounts or conducting financial transactions in public spaces.
6. Report Cyber Crimes If you are a victim of a cybercrime, report it immediately to cybercrime.gov.in, the Indian government’s online portal for reporting cybercrimes. You can also contact the cyber crime cell of your local police station. Keep evidence like screenshots, transaction details, and suspicious messages/emails to support your case when reporting.
7. Monitor Financial Transactions Regularly check your bank statements and transaction history to identify any unauthorized activities. Set up transaction alerts via SMS or email to stay informed of any activity on your accounts. If you notice any suspicious transactions, contact your bank immediately to freeze your account and prevent further damage.
8. Educate Yourself and Your Family Stay updated on common cyber threats like ransomware, phishing, identity theft, and online fraud. Educate your family members, especially children and elderly individuals, about safe online practices, such as not sharing passwords or clicking on unfamiliar links. Encourage your workplace or community to organize cybersecurity awareness programs to spread knowledge about cybercrime prevention.
9. Use Secure Payment Methods Use credit cards or trusted digital wallets for online purchases as they offer more protection against fraud than debit cards or direct bank transfers. Avoid making transactions on websites or apps that do not offer secure payment gateways.
10. Back-Up Your Data Regularly back up important personal and financial data to prevent loss due to ransomware attacks or other forms of cybercrime. Use secure cloud storage services or external hard drives for backups.
11. Be Wary of Online Job Scams Be cautious of work-from-home job offers, freelance opportunities, or online surveys that ask for upfront payment or your personal information. Always verify the legitimacy of the company or recruiter before providing any personal details. 1
12. Avoid Fake Apps and Websites Always download apps from official app stores like Google Play or Apple’s App Store to avoid malicious applications. Be cautious of fake websites that mimic well-known brands. Always double-check the website’s URL and look for spelling errors or inconsistent design.
13. Keep Social Media Private Adjust the privacy settings on your social media accounts to control who can see your personal information and posts. Be cautious about accepting friend requests or messages from strangers, as they may be scammers trying to gain access to your data.
14. Encrypt Sensitive Data When dealing with sensitive data, such as business information or personal financial records, use encryption tools to secure the information.
15. Cyber Security Helplines In India, the Ministry of Home Affairs has launched a National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in, and a cybercrime helpline number (1930) where citizens can report cyber crimes, including financial fraud, online harassment, and hacking. Conclusion: Cybercrime in India is on the rise, but by following these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of falling victim to cybercriminals. Awareness and vigilance are the keys to staying safe in the digital age. Make sure you’re protecting your personal information, using secure methods for online activities, and reporting any suspicious behavior or incidents.

Dear All, An advisory on cybercrime

1. If you are called about how the TRAI is going to disconnect your phone, do not respond. It is a scam.
2. If you are called by FedEx about a package and asked to press 1 or whatever, do not respond. It is a scam.
3. If a police officer calls you and talks to you about your Aadhaar, do not respond. It is a scam.
4. If they tell you that you are under ‘digital arrest’, do not respond. It is a scam.
5. If they tell you that drugs have been discovered in some package meant for you or sent by you, do not respond. It is a scam.
6. If they say you can’t tell anyone, do not listen to them. Inform Cyber Crime Police at 1930.
7. If they contact you using WhatsApp or SMS, do not respond. It is a scam.
8. If anyone calls you and tells you they have sent money to your UPI ID by mistake and that they just want their money back, do not respond. It is a scam.
9. If someone says they want to buy your car or your washing machine or your sofa and say they are from the army or CRPF and show you their ID card, do not respond. It is a scam.
10. If someone says they are calling from Swiggy or Zomato and need you to confirm your address by pressing 1 or anything else, do not respond. It is a scam.
11. If they ask you to share OTP just to cancel the order or ride or whatever, do not respond. It is a scam. In any case, do not share your OTP with anyone over the phone.
12. Never answer any calls in video mode.
13. If confused simply switch off your phone & block that number.
14. Never press on any link written in blue.
15. Even if you get a notice from the highest Police, CBI, ED, or IT Department, do verify offline.
16. Always check if such letters are from authorized Government portals.

As a matter of digital hygiene, do NOT share your address, location, phone, Aadahar, PAN, DoB, or ANY personal details with ANYONE over the phone or messages. Refuse even to acknowledge your name on a call. Tell them that since they called you, they are supposed to know your name, number, and whatever detail they wish you to ‘confirm’. Even if they have your details, do not confirm or deny, or get caught up in any conversation. Simply disconnect and block.

In every one of these cases and similar ones, the procedure to safeguard yourself is simple: cut the call, note the number and block. Do not press any numbers during the call; don’t listen to them. Simply cut the call and block the number. Remember, if they are putting pressure on you, intimidating you, or forcing you to act or respond immediately, it is a scam.

Cyber fraudsters are coming out with different modus operandi to trap & fleece you.

One of the practical solutions is not to use your smartphone for any bank-related transactions; instead, use the old keypad kind. DESPITE ALL THE ABOVE, IF YOU ARE TRAPPED, REPORT TO THE LOCAL CYBER POLICE WITHOUT ANY HESITATIONS, EVEN IF IT AMOUNTS TO COMPROMISING YOUR REPUTATION, AS THAT IS WHAT FRAUDSTERS EXPLOIT.