Cybercriminals target shoppers with fake discounts ahead of Dhanteras, Diwali

People urged to stay alert against cyber fraud during Dhanteras and Diwali

As Dhanteras and Diwali approach, shopping activity has begun to pick up in Bulandshahr district. People are buying items ranging from home decorations and electronic goods to clothes and gifts. At the same time, cybercriminals are using the rush around the festivals and people’s shopping needs to carry out fraud.

Attractive advertisements on social media, heavy-discount offers, fake websites and promises of high returns on investments are being used to target people. A small mistake while shopping online or making a digital payment can lead to money being withdrawn from a bank account.

Cybercriminals are creating fake websites and social media accounts with names similar to those of well-known companies and reputed business establishments. These platforms carry attractive advertisements offering discounts of 80 to 90 percent.

People who see the low prices may place orders without checking whether the website is genuine. After payment is made, the goods may not arrive. In some cases, fraudsters also obtain people’s personal and banking information and use it to withdraw money from their accounts.

Investment fraud and fake identities

The methods used for fraud in the name of investment are also changing quickly. Cybercriminals are luring people with promises of share trading, online business opportunities and high profits within a short time.

They may first show profits on a small investment in order to gain the person’s trust. After that, they persuade the person to invest a larger amount and then cut off contact.

People are also being approached by fraudsters posing as bank officials, customer-care representatives and acquaintances. By using these identities, the fraudsters try to obtain confidential information from them.

Caution advised over QR codes and OTPs

People have also been advised to remain especially careful while making digital payments. Cybercriminals may send a QR code in the name of transferring money and ask the recipient to scan it and enter a PIN.

Scanning a QR code and entering a PIN in such a situation can result in money being withdrawn from the account. People have been advised not to download an application that allows screen sharing on their mobile phone at the request of an unknown person.

Bank-account-related OTPs, ATM PINs and other confidential information should not be shared with anyone. The warning applies to online shopping and digital transactions during the festival season, when people are making payments for different purchases and offers may appear on social media or websites.

Police running an awareness campaign

SP Rural Antarix Jain has appealed to people to remain alert against cybercriminals during the festivals. The police are running an awareness campaign to inform people about the precautions that need to be taken while shopping online, making digital payments and investing money.

As part of the campaign, people are being told to avoid clicking on any unknown link. They have also been advised to use only the official website or application of the concerned company for shopping.

The appeal comes as fake websites, misleading advertisements and investment offers are being used to exploit people’s interest in festive shopping and digital transactions. Checking the authenticity of a website before placing an order and protecting confidential banking information are among the precautions being highlighted in the campaign.

Report fraud immediately on 1930

Delay after becoming a victim of cyber fraud can make the situation worse. A person affected by cyber fraud should immediately register a complaint by calling the cyber helpline number 1930.

A complaint can also be filed on the National Cyber Crime Portal. If information is provided in time, the possibility of stopping the defrauded money in the concerned accounts increases.

The police have appealed to people not to fall for online temptations amid the celebrations and to give priority to protecting their hard-earned money. People have been urged to check offers carefully, avoid sharing confidential information and remain alert while making online purchases or digital payments during Dhanteras and Diwali.