Recently, a 26-year-old woman from New Delhi narrowly escaped a major online scam. She had purchased an HP laptop from a well-known electronics store, but a few days later, she received a message from an unknown number.
The message claimed that she had won a gift voucher and needed to share her bank details to claim it. However, something seemed off—the message mentioned two different store names, making her suspicious. Trusting her instincts, she avoided clicking the link and saved herself from potential fraud.
Unfortunately, not everyone is this lucky. Cybercriminals are constantly refining their methods, using sophisticated tactics to steal money without the victim even realizing it.
Traditionally, most online frauds required criminals to trick users into sharing an OTP (One-Time Password) or PIN. However, new scams bypass this requirement entirely. Here’s how:
✅ Never Click on Unknown Links – If you receive an unexpected message about rewards, cashback, or contests, do not click the link.
✅ Avoid Sharing Personal Details – Banks and companies never ask for personal or banking details over a call or message. If someone asks, assume it’s a fraud.
✅ Be Cautious of Call Merging Requests – If someone requests you to merge calls, refuse immediately.
✅ Download Apps Only from Official Sources – Install applications only from trusted platforms like Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
✅ Report Suspicious Activity Immediately – If you suspect fraud, contact your bank and report the incident to the Cyber Crime Cell.
As cyber scams evolve, staying alert is your best defense. Spread awareness, educate others, and always verify any request related to your financial information.