From Job Offers to Emergency Requests: Staying Safe from Online Scams
In today’s digital age, nearly everyone owns a smartphone and uses popular messaging apps like WhatsApp. However, it’s crucial to be cautious about the messages you receive, as online scams are becoming increasingly prevalent. Financial scams through online mediums are on the rise, and it’s essential to be aware of the tactics scammers use to protect your hard-earned money.
Deceptive Messages with Promising Offers
Scammers often use numbers with a woman’s picture as the display picture (DP), but these messages may not be from women at all. They could originate from scam networks in Cambodia, Myanmar, or Laos, targeting your bank account. These messages often come from numbers starting with +62 and may use virtual numbers to appear as though they’re from India.
Job Offer Scams
Many scam messages promise extra income from home, posing as digital marketing companies offering simple tasks like writing Google Maps reviews, watching YouTube videos, or liking social media reels. They provide details about the job and required qualifications and may initially give small tasks with a small payment to gain your trust. Transactions are usually done via UPI. Once they believe they’ve gained your trust, they ask for a deposit to continue the work and then disappear, leaving you unable to contact them and your money transferred to other accounts.
Fake Emergency Requests
Be wary of messages from relatives or close friends on Facebook or WhatsApp asking for money due to an emergency. Always call them directly to confirm the situation, as scammers can mimic the voice of your loved ones and use other numbers, claiming their phone is unavailable.
Gift Card and Survey Scams
Messages containing gift cards or online surveys from unknown numbers are likely scams. These messages may use the names of well-known companies or individuals. Clicking on the links can lead to the theft of your personal information.
Tips for Staying Safe
Verify Authenticity: Always check the authenticity of job offers or emergency requests. Visit the company’s official website, call them, or email to confirm job offers.
Be Skeptical of High Salaries: If a job seems too simple with a high salary, it’s likely a scam.
Save Correspondence: Do not delete emails and chats with potential fraudsters. Report suspicious activity to investigating agencies immediately.
Avoid Transferring Funds: Never transfer money to those asking for deposits for jobs or promising large returns.
Protect Personal Information: Never share personal details like your date of birth, login ID, password, or OTP via messages or chats.
Avoid Downloading Unknown Apps: Do not download apps or files shared by unknown individuals onto your devices.
Report Fraud: If you fall victim to a scam, report it at www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930 for assistance.
By staying vigilant and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to online scams.
