Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 27 April 2024
In response to a concerning surge in financial cyber fraud, the Andaman and Nicobar Police has issued a critical advisory cautioning the public against a new trend where fraudsters exploit unsuspecting individuals through deceptive job offers sent via SMS.
The modus operandi of these fraudsters involves the dissemination of Fake Job Offer SMSs, enticing recipients with promises of lucrative part-time work from the comfort of their homes, requiring minimal time and effort. These fraudulent advertisements often claim to offer substantial earnings, luring job seekers into a trap where they are coerced into making upfront payments under false pretences.
Characterised by false identities as employers or recruiters, the perpetrators behind these scams aim to siphon off victims’ money and harvest their personal information, perpetuating cybercrime with impunity.
To combat this rising threat, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have issued a series of precautionary measures for individuals to safeguard themselves:
1. Exercise Caution: Refrain from entertaining tempting job offers received via text messages or emails from unfamiliar sources.
2. Research Thoroughly: Prior to engaging with any job offering entity, conduct extensive online research utilising keywords such as scam, fraud, or complaint alongside the company’s name to verify the legitimacy of the offer.
3. Avoid Unnecessary Payments: Exercise prudence and refrain from making any payments without authenticating the credibility of the employer for registration or other purposes.
4. Verify SMS-Headers: Scrutinise the SMS-Headers meticulously to confirm the authenticity of a job offer and identify potential red flags.
5. Exercise Vigilance: Be wary of urgent requests or pressure tactics employed by fraudsters and scrutinise any unusual demands with diligence.
For individuals requiring assistance, information, or inquiries, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have urged the public to reach out to the Cyber Crime Police Station via the National Helpline No. 1930 or the A&N Police Helpline No. 9531856083. Additionally, individuals can access resources and support by visiting cybercrime.gov.in.