Explainer: New Year and Christmas Cyber Frauds on the Rise: Beware of Fake Gifts, Links, and Calls
As the New Year approaches, cyber frauds are on the rise, with fraudsters targeting people through fake messages about KYC updates, greetings, gifts, and more. Common scams include money requests under the guise of bank balance updates, malware-laden APK files disguised as festive greetings, and fake customer care calls related to non-existent deliveries. Fraudsters also exploit hotel and restaurant bookings. To avoid falling victim, never click on unknown links, avoid sharing OTPs or personal details, and always verify offers through official websites. Authorities have heightened awareness efforts, urging people to report fraud immediately to 1930 or http://cybercrime.gov.in.
- By: Ashish Maharishi
- Published: Dec 30, 2024 at 02:11 PM
- Updated: Dec 30, 2024 at 02:16 PM
Vishvas News New Delhi. With Christmas behind us and the New Year just around the corner, cyber fraudsters are taking advantage of the festive mood, targeting people with deceptive messages about KYC updates, greetings, and gifts. In response, police in several states, including Rajasthan, have intensified efforts to raise awareness through social media platforms.
What are the latest trends in fraud?
Money transferred under the guise of bank balance updates.
Cybercriminals are targeting people on WhatsApp with various types of messages. Many have received requests to deposit money into bank accounts, accompanied by links. Clicking on these links often leads to fraud. Therefore, to stay safe, avoid clicking on any links in messages from unknown sources.
APK file in greetings messages
Fraudsters are also exploiting greeting messages to commit scams. They send APK files (Android Package Kits) disguised as Christmas or New Year greetings. Once downloaded, these files install malware in the device, leading to phone hacking and eventually, bank account theft.
Calls to fake customer care numbers
There have been cases where people’s accounts have been hacked under the pretext of fake deliveries. In these scams, a call or a fake delivery person informs the victim that their order has arrived, even though no order was placed. Victims are then instructed to cancel the order by calling a fake customer care number. Once the victim calls, the scammer asks for an OTP, and as soon as it’s provided, the victim’s money is stolen.
Fraudulent schemes involving fake hotel and restaurant bookings
During festivals, people resort to internet searches to book a table in a restaurant or a room in a hotel. From here, they make bookings through mobile numbers or websites. It has been seen many times that when they reach the restaurant or hotel after booking, they come to know that they have been defrauded. In such a situation, always book through the official website or mobile number.
Cybercriminals have become active ahead of the New Year and Christmas, attempting to deceive people with fake greetings and gift offers. Report any cybercrime to 1930 or at http://cybercrime.gov.in. Stay alert, stay safe.
To verify any tempting offer, scheme or bank balance, check the official website and social media pages of the concerned company. Avoid trusting calls or messages without confirmation.
Cyber security expert Chatak Bajpai highlights that APK file fraud is the most common fraud nowadays. These files are shared through WhatsApp and messages and once clicked, they install malware on your phone, sending all the phone data to the scammers. This can lead to your bank accounts being emptied. Bajpai advises never to share OTPs with anyone and to stay cautious against clicking on ads on social media or links in WhatsApp messages. He also emphasises avoiding entering personal details, such as your mobile number, date of birth, or name on any unknown website, no matter how tempting the offer is.
What to do when the APK file is installed
Cyber fraudsters use APK files to install malware on mobile devices. As soon as this link is clicked, the file installs automatically, granting hackers access to the device. This allows them to read the messages, including sensitive information like OTPs, putting your data and finances at risk.
To avoid such fraud, avoid clicking on messages or links from unknown sources. Regularly update and reboot your system from time to time. Install antivirus on your mobile and update it regularly.
Rajasthan IPS officer Rajarshi Raj Verma told Vishvas News that in today’s digital world, maintaining cyber hygiene is crucial. He emphasised that there are certain precautions everyone should follow.
1.Never share your personal information with anyone.
2.Never share OTPs.
3.Do not click on suspicious links over email, WhatsApp, or SMS.
4.Do not receive video calls from unknown numbers.
Cyber security expert Chatak Bajpai advises that if an APK file has been mistakenly installed, first uninstall all banking and UPI-related apps from your mobile and immediately change the password. Next, visit the service centre of your mobile company to get the phone reset and ensure the latest software updates are installed.
The easiest way to protect yourself from cyber fraud is to stay vigilant. Awareness and caution can save you from cyber fraudsters. If you still fall victim to such fraud, report it by contacting your nearest cyber police station or the cyber helpline number 1930. Apart from this, you can also complain on http://cybercrime.gov.in. Evidence like screenshots or photocopies are necessary to strengthen the case.
According to Rajan Dushyant, senior IPS officer of Rajasthan, cyber thugs are particularly active during Christmas and New Year, attempting to scam people with fake congratulatory messages and gift offers. He advises not to trust any unknown calls or messages. If you fall victim to such fraud, report it immediately by calling 1930 or visiting http://cybercrime.gov.in.
Cyber criminals often become active during festivals. To protect yourself, avoid clicking on unknown links and never share your personal information, such as your name, mobile number, or date of birth with anyone. Sharing these details can make you an easy target for fraud.
Conclusion: As the New Year approaches, cyber frauds are on the rise, with fraudsters targeting people through fake messages about KYC updates, greetings, gifts, and more. Common scams include money requests under the guise of bank balance updates, malware-laden APK files disguised as festive greetings, and fake customer care calls related to non-existent deliveries. Fraudsters also exploit hotel and restaurant bookings. To avoid falling victim, never click on unknown links, avoid sharing OTPs or personal details, and always verify offers through official websites. Authorities have heightened awareness efforts, urging people to report fraud immediately to 1930 or http://cybercrime.gov.in.
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