Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 16 December 2023
In the digital age, a rising concern grips the online community—catphishing—a malicious tactic employed by cyber criminals to exploit unsuspecting individuals through various online platforms. The Andaman and Nicobar Police have stepped forward to address this issue, offering crucial guidelines to shield against this perilous form of online abuse.
What is Catphishing?
Catphishing involves perpetrators using diverse channels like instant messaging apps, social media platforms, dating apps, and more to entice users into intimate video/audio chats. These criminals coerce victims into sharing revealing images or engaging in explicit conversations. Subsequently, they leverage this material to harass, blackmail, or threaten the victims, sometimes by threatening to circulate private content online unless their demands for more compromising material, sexual favours, or money are met. The threats can extend to harming the victims’ friends or relatives using information obtained from electronic devices.
Andaman and Nicobar Police’s Advisory:
In response to the escalating catphishing incidents, the Andaman and Nicobar Police issued a comprehensive advisory aimed at safeguarding individuals from falling prey to such schemes:
1. Avoid Sharing Compromising Content: Refrain from sharing compromising images, videos, or posts with anyone, regardless of their identity.
2. Anonymous Calls and Video Calls: Do not answer calls or video calls from anonymous numbers to mitigate potential risks.
3. Secure Electronic Devices: Turn off electronic devices and web cameras when not in use to prevent unauthorised access.
4. Strengthen Security Measures: Employ two-factor authentication with robust and unique passwords for different social media accounts. Enable privacy and security features on all platforms.
5. Seek Support: Do not suffer alone—reach out to trusted friends or family members for help and support.
6. Exercise Caution Online: Avoid visiting suspicious websites or those lacking security measures.
7. Vigilance on Social Platforms: Be cautious of unknown users on social media or dating platforms who hasten to shift conversations to other interactive platforms.
The Andaman and Nicobar Police urges individuals encountering catphishing threats or seeking guidance to reach out to the Cyber Cell in Port Blair through the Cyber Helpline at 9531856083 or visit cybercrime.gov.in for assistance, information, or inquiries.