Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 04 November 2023
A disturbing new trend in financial cyber fraud has emerged, where fraudsters are sending deceptive WhatsApp messages from random accounts bearing the profile pictures of senior government officials. These malevolent messages demand Amazon, Flipkart, and other e-commerce platform gift cards from unsuspecting recipients.
Gift cards or gift vouchers, which are prepaid stored-value money cards issued by various retailers, have become the latest currency of choice for scammers looking to swindle their victims. These gift cards can be used as an alternative to cash for purchases within specific stores or related businesses, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals.
In response to this concerning trend, the Andaman and Nicobar Police has issued a vital advisory to help individuals safeguard themselves against such scams:
1. Verify Unknown Mobile Numbers: If you receive a WhatsApp message from an unfamiliar mobile number, make an effort to verify its authenticity. Reach out to a previously known number or common acquaintances to confirm if the new mobile number is legitimate.
2. Confirm Money-Related Requests: Always call and confirm with the concerned senior official if you receive any request for money or financial assistance through WhatsApp. Do not respond to such requests blindly.
3. Beware of Urgency: Fraudsters involved in these scams often exhibit a sense of urgency in their messages. Be cautious if a request seems unusually hurried, as it may be a red flag.
4. Refrain from Responding to Unknown Messages: Avoid replying to messages from unknown senders on messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, and others.
5. Guard Your Privacy: Exercise caution when sharing photos or videos online. Consider using privacy filters if you must share visual content, as these materials may be exploited by scammers to create fake accounts on messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram.
Andaman and Nicobar Police has encouraged anyone who needs assistance, information, or inquiries related to these scams to contact the *Cyber Cell* in Port Blair. You can reach out to them via the *Cyber Helpline* at 9531856083, or visit the website cybercrime.gov.in for further support and guidance.