Remote Access Fraud & Fake Advertisement: Follow These Cyber Safety Tips

The phenomenal rise in digital transactions across the country has made the lives of people easy. However, it has also given an opportunity to cyber criminals to swindle money using various tricks.

Remote access fraud and fake advertisements are among the few key methods through which the online scamsters are targeting unsuspecting users.

Cyber Dost, the Cyber-safety and Cyber security awareness handles maintained by Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India regularly posts several messages to keep people and other stakeholders informed as well suggests tips to be ‘Cyber Safe’.

Remote Access Fraud: The scammers request remote access to computer or mobile in the name of KYC update, Technical Support, Antivirus/ or Operating System Upgrade. The main objective is to steal confidential information or installing malwares.

Safety Tips:

-Never allow remote access of your device to unknown person.

-Verify the identity of person over call/email before providing access.

-Always download software from genuine sources only.

Fake Advertisements: Cyber criminals use online advertisement platforms and social media to show fake advertisements regarding online shopping, part-time jobs customer care numbers to dupe customers.

Safety Tips:

-Understand the difference between normal search results and ‘Ad’ results.

-Verify the reputation of websites before engaging in financial transactions.

- Always trust information from official Apps and websites.

Identity Theft: Fraudsters use victim’s identity to commit fraud by obtaining personal or financial information.

Safety Tips:

-Never provide details or copies of identity proofs (PAN card, Aadhaar cards) to unknown persons.

-Do not share sensitive personal information on public platforms.

-Do not leave your credit, debit or ATM card receipts behind and never throw them away at public places.