Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch has issued an advisory against Olivia Hoax, a WhatsApp scam that has been targeting children worldwide through the app.
The messenger, claiming to be Olivia, begins conversation with kids, pretending to be a friend they know, but soon starts sending links that direct them to porn sites.
The Crime Branch, Odisha Police tweeted, "New WhatsApp spam named Olivia Hoax is targeting young children by befriending them. Parents are advised to keenly watch children's online activity. Don’t accept any message from unknown or suspicious looking no. #SayNOtoCyberStrangers".
Some people who received such messages shared their version of conversation. The messages sure look mechanical and repeating.
Though there have been no cases related to Olivia Hoax in Odisha yet, police is taking preventive measures to warn parents and kids. With the recent rise in cyber crimes, dangerous games and scams, it has become imperative for parents to keep an eye on their children's online life.
Along with this, the Commissionerate Police has also expedited combat measures to eradicate the deadly Momo Challenge that lures players into a series of violent acts, ending with a suicide dare.