Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 19 July 2024
In recent weeks, a surge of fraudulent emails has been reported, with perpetrators falsely claiming to represent Indian Cyber Crime & Indian Cyber Squad, fictitious government agencies such as the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D) or other agencies like Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). These deceptive emails, often accompanied by counterfeit letters on official letterheads, threaten severe legal consequences unless the recipients comply. The accusations typically involve alleged participation in activities related to pornographic materials or narcotics smuggling.
These emails are designed to instill fear and manipulate recipients into responding. The ultimate goal of these scammers is to exploit victims’ fear and extort money from unsuspecting individuals. It is crucial to recognize that these communications are scams. Legitimate law enforcement agencies like the IB, CBI, and BPR&D do not engage in such unsolicited email correspondence.
In light of this alarming trend, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have issued the following advisory to help citizens protect themselves:
1. Do Not Engage: Refrain from responding to or engaging with any unsolicited emails claiming to be from Cyber Cell India, IB, CBI, or BPR&D.
2. Verify Legitimacy: Before taking any action or replying, verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting your local police station or cyber crime police station.
3. Avoid Suspicious Links: Do not click on links from suspicious emails or posts, as they may lead to compromised websites and potential financial loss.
4. Raise Awareness: Inform friends, family, and colleagues about these scams to prevent further victims.
5. Report Incidents: Report any such incidents on the Cybercrime.gov.in portal. For more safety tips, follow @CyberDost on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Koo, and LinkedIn.
For assistance, information, or inquiries, contact the Cyber Crime Police Station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands via the National Helpline No. 1930 or the A&N Police Helpline No. 9531856083. Additional resources can be found at cybercrime.gov.in.
By staying vigilant and informed, citizens can protect themselves from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes.