Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 14 October 2023
In a bid to raise awareness about the rising threat of smishing, Andaman and Nicobar Police has issued a crucial public advisory to safeguard individuals against this growing cybercrime. Smishing, a portmanteau of “SMS” and “phishing,” involves cybercriminals sending deceptive text messages to trick recipients into clicking on malicious links, which can lead to the installation of malware or the theft of personal and financial information.
This recent warning comes as law enforcement agencies have observed a surge in cyber fraudsters using smishing tactics to deceive people, particularly by masquerading as utility companies and exploiting the fear of unpaid bills.
The modus operandi of these fraudsters involves sending text messages that read, “Your Electricity Power will be disconnected tonight at 9:30 pm because your previous month bill was not updated. Please immediately contact with our electricity officer at 9898XXXXXX.” Once the victim initiates contact with the number provided, the scammer attempts to coerce the victim into sharing sensitive information, such as bank account details, under the guise of verifying previous payments.
These smishing attempts are made more convincing through tactics like caller ID spoofing, which makes it appear as if the text messages are from a trusted or local source. Furthermore, victims are often asked to install remote access applications such as Anydesk and TeamViewer, allowing the fraudsters to gain control of the victim’s bank account and carry out fraudulent transactions.
To protect themselves against such scams, Andaman and Nicobar Police has issued the following advisory:
1. Exercise Caution: Avoid sharing your phone number unless you are familiar with the person or organisation.
2. Beware of Caller ID Spoofing: Be vigilant about spoofed caller IDs, which can make a text message seem like it’s from a trustworthy or local source.
3. Download Software from Trusted Sources Only: Avoid downloading software from unofficial sources and remove non-essential applications from your devices.
4. Guard Your Personal and Financial Information: Refrain from providing personal or financial information in response to unsolicited text messages or on websites linked in these messages.
5. Avoid Clicking on Suspicious Links: Do not click on links in suspicious texts, as they may lead to malware installation or potentially harmful websites.
In the event of falling victim to or encountering such smishing attempts, individuals are encouraged to report the incidents on the official cybercrime portal, https://cybercrime.gov.in. For more information on safety tips and updates, you can also follow @CyberDost on social media platforms like Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Public, Koo, and LinkedIn.
For any assistance, information, or inquiries related to cybercrimes, the public is encouraged to contact the Cyber Cell in Port Blair via the Cyber Helpline at 1930 or call 9531856083.
Andaman and Nicobar Police remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of the public in the digital realm and urges all residents to remain vigilant and follow these precautions to safeguard themselves against smishing and other cyber threats.