BHARATH NEWS DIGITAL: AMARAVATI : DO NOT CLICK ON UNKNOWN LINKS THAT COME AS CHRISTMAS GIFTS OR NEW YEAR GIFTS —- BAPATLA DISTRICT SP B. UMAMAHESWAR, IPS.,
Bapatla District SP B. Umamaheswar, IPS, advised people not to click on unknown links that come as Christmas gifts or New Year gifts, as cybercriminals may use innovative methods to deceive people during the Christmas and New Year season. He warned that clicking on such links could allow cybercriminals to empty people’s bank accounts, and therefore, people should be vigilant.
Bapatla District SP B. Umamaheswar, IPS, stated that in accordance with changing circumstances, cybercriminals are adopting innovative methods to deceive people and empty their bank accounts. He said that taking advantage of Christmas and New Year celebrations, cybercriminals are posting unknown links and APK files on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms in the name of Christmas gifts and New Year gifts. He advised that these should not be clicked under any circumstances.
The SP also mentioned that sales on online shopping platforms will be high in the wake of the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations. He stated that cybercriminals are taking advantage of this to deceive innocent citizens and steal their money. Therefore, he warned against clicking on links and APK files received from strangers under any circumstances. He also cautioned against sharing personal information such as PAN card and Aadhaar card numbers, their photos, bank account details, and other information through unfamiliar links. The Bapatla District SP stated that there is a possibility of money being drained from bank accounts even based on just a phone number.
On this occasion, the Bapatla District SP revealed the methods commonly used by cyber fraudsters to deceive people. He explained that Cybercriminals send unfamiliar links through social media platforms like Facebook, WhatsApp, and email under the guise of Christmas gifts and New Year gifts and ask for processing fees or personal details claiming that the recipient has won a Christmas/New Year gift, a foreign lottery, or cashback.
Similarly, he explained that cybercriminals ask people to click on links or share OTPs to claim pending refunds, New Year bonuses, or reward points. He added that cybercriminals send fake messages, emails, and social media advertisements offering huge discounts on travel, gifts, hotels, party passes, or electronics. He alerted the public that cybercriminals also solicit donations using fake accounts and UPI IDs in the name of Christmas charities, orphanages, churches, or relief programs.
The Bapatla District SP issued important guidelines for the public to follow to stay vigilant. He advised against clicking on suspicious links and downloading unknown apps and APK files. The SP stated that people should never share OTPs, PINs, CVVs, or bank details with unknown individuals under any circumstances. He also advised against scanning unknown QR codes and accepting unknown UPI requests. The SP suggested enabling two-factor authentication on important accounts. SP B. Umamaheswar advised people to regularly update the applications on their mobile phones. He instructed the public to install an antivirus application on their mobile phones and to immediately file a complaint on the website www.cybercrime.gov.in or call the cybercrime helpline – 1930 if they suspect they have been victims of cyber fraud. He also advised to preserve evidence such as screenshots, transaction details, and phone numbers. The Bapatla District SP urged anyone who suspects they have been a victim of cyber fraud to immediately go to the nearest police station and file a complaint.
RAVI KUMAR AND KOTA SREENIVAS // SENIOR JOURNALISTS // HYDERABAD.
