Shimla: In a chilling revelation, the Shimla Cyber Cell has warned Himachal Pradesh residents about the escalating threat of online frauds, uncovering a disturbing range of 26 different scams targeting the public. The fraudulent tactics, ranging from fake calls to sophisticated digital scams, are designed to deceive unsuspecting citizens, steal sensitive information, and siphon off hard-earned money.
Rising Threats to the Public
According to the Cyber Cell’s advisory, a range of scams have been identified, with cybercriminals using deceptive methods to exploit the people of Himachal:
- TRAI Disconnection Scam: Fraudsters impersonate the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) to falsely claim that a victim’s mobile connection will be deactivated, seeking personal details.
- Press-the-Number Scam: Scammers, pretending to be package delivery agents, ask victims to press certain numbers on their phones, enabling them to exploit the victim’s mobile data.
- Fake Police Officer Calls: Cybercriminals posing as police officers demand Aadhaar details, claiming it’s part of a legal investigation.
- Digital Arrest Scam: Some individuals are informed falsely that they are under “digital arrest” for alleged online criminal activities.
- Drug-Related Package Fraud: A scam where fraudsters claim that drugs have been found in a package linked to the victim, demanding immediate attention.
- Military or CRPF Fraud: Fraudsters impersonate military or CRPF personnel to scam sellers of household items like cars or furniture.
- Court Summons Hoax: Victims are tricked into thinking they’ve received a court summons, with fraudsters asking for payment to release it.
- Fake Police Station Calls: Scammers pose as fake police officers, using intimidation to manipulate victims into believing false legal claims.
Cyber Cell’s Urgent Warning
The Shimla Cyber Cell is urging residents to stay cautious and avoid divulging personal information over the phone. “Cybercriminals are using highly sophisticated methods to target the public. Always verify the legitimacy of suspicious calls or messages,” warned a Cyber Cell official.
Protective Measures
To shield themselves from falling prey to these scams, the Cyber Cell advises residents to:
- Ignore suspicious calls or messages.
- Avoid pressing numbers or sharing OTPs during unsolicited calls.
- Verify the caller’s authenticity through official channels.
- Report fraud immediately to the Cyber Cell or the national cybercrime portal.
With online frauds on the rise, citizens must remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding their personal and financial information. The Cyber Cell’s timely advisory serves as a crucial reminder that in the digital age, vigilance is the key to staying safe.
