Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 12 May 2024
In a bid to tackle the rising threat of cybercrime, Andaman and Nicobar Police has issued a warning regarding a new scam aimed at obtaining OTPs (One Time Passwords) from unsuspecting victims under the guise of fake parcel deliveries.
The scam, orchestrated by cybercriminals, involves manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as OTPs for bank transactions, by exploiting the pretext of parcel deliveries. Typically, perpetrators with insider knowledge of delivery systems, including personnel or agencies, identify potential targets based on their frequent receipt of packages from various e-commerce platforms.
To combat this growing threat, the Andaman and Nicobar Police has outlined several precautionary measures for public awareness and protection:
1. Verify Order History: Before accepting or canceling any package, individuals are urged to verify their order history and anticipated delivery dates.
2. Exercise Caution with SMS Links: Avoid clicking on any links contained in SMS messages related to package deliveries to mitigate the risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes.
3. Vet URLs Before Access: Prior to opening any links or providing personal information/OTP, scrutinize all URLs associated with parcel notifications.
4. Limit Personal Information Sharing: Refrain from sharing unnecessary personal details, such as addresses, email IDs, or phone numbers, especially in contexts unrelated to legitimate transactions.
5. Exercise Caution with Delivery Notices: Be cautious when encountering unexpected delivery notifications via SMS or email, refraining from clicking on links or calling back numbers without proper verification.
For those requiring assistance or seeking further information, individuals are encouraged to reach out to the Cyber Crime Police Station in A&N Islands via the National helpline No.1930 or the A&N Police Cyber Helpline No. 9531856083. Additionally, resources and support can be accessed through the official website cybercrime.gov.in.
By disseminating this advisory, Andaman and Nicobar Police aims to empower citizens with the knowledge and tools necessary to safeguard themselves against the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.