Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 07 March 2024
In recent weeks, there has been a surge in reports of fraudulent emails circulating in India, purportedly from entities such as the Indian Cyber Crime & Indian Cyber Squad, as well as fictitious government agencies like the BPR&D, IB, and CBI. These deceptive emails, often accompanied by fabricated letters bearing the letterheads of legitimate investigative bodies, are causing alarm among recipients by falsely accusing them of involvement in criminal activities such as the possession of pornographic material or narcotics smuggling.
The primary aim of these malicious emails is to intimidate individuals into complying with the fraudulent demands of the perpetrators. By leveraging fear tactics and threats of severe legal consequences, the scammers seek to coerce unsuspecting recipients into divulging sensitive information or transferring money. It is crucial for the public to recognise these emails as scams and refrain from engaging with them.
Authorities emphasise that legitimate law enforcement agencies like the IB, CBI, and BPR&D do not engage in unsolicited communication of this nature. To safeguard against falling victim to such scams, citizens are urged to exercise caution and report any suspicious emails to the appropriate authorities promptly.
In response to this concerning trend, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have issued a comprehensive advisory to help individuals protect themselves from falling prey to these fraudulent schemes:
1. Exercise Caution: Refrain from responding to or engaging with any emails claiming to be from entities such as the Cyber Cell India, Intelligence Bureau (IB), Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) if received unexpectedly.
2. Verify Legitimacy: Before taking any action or replying, verify the authenticity of the email by contacting your local Police Station or Cyber Crime Police Station.
3. Avoid Clicking Suspicious Links: Exercise caution when encountering links in suspicious emails or posts, as they may lead to compromised websites and financial loss.
4. Spread Awareness: Help prevent further victimisation by spreading awareness among friends, family, and colleagues about these fraudulent schemes.
In addition to these precautions, individuals are encouraged to report any incidents of fraudulent emails through the cybercrime.gov.in portal and follow @CyberDost on various social media platforms for safety tips and updates.
For assistance, information, or inquiries, individuals can contact the Cyber Crime Police Station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands via the National Helpline No. 1930 or the A&N Police Helpline No. 9531856083. Alternatively, they can visit cybercrime.gov.in for further guidance and support.