Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 02 February 2024
A concerning trend in financial cyber fraud has emerged, with fraudsters now exploiting the details of Indian army personnel to perpetrate scams on individuals advertising properties for rent. The Andaman and Nicobar Police issued a public advisory today to raise awareness and guide citizens on safeguarding themselves against this form of cybercrime.
Individuals seeking to rent out accommodations on popular house renting websites, real estate databases, and social media platforms have fallen victim to scams where fraudsters impersonate armed forces personnel. The fraudsters exploit the goodwill associated with the armed forces to gain trust and siphon off money from unsuspecting victims.
To protect themselves, the Andaman and Nicobar Police issued the following advisory:
1. OTP for Sending, Not Receiving: Always remember that entering OTP is a requirement for sending money, not for receiving it. Be cautious when asked to enter OTP codes and verify the legitimacy of the transaction.
2. Confirm Identity: When contacted by an unknown person expressing interest in renting your property, take steps to confirm their identity through alternative methods and sources. Be wary of individuals who provide limited or suspicious information.
3. Scrutinize Urgency: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency to manipulate victims. Scrutinize requests that seem excessively urgent and exercise caution in such situations.
4. Verify Identity Details: Avoid relying solely on information provided by unknown individuals on messaging apps or house renting platforms. Cross-verify details and conduct due diligence before proceeding with any transactions.
5. Transaction Scrutiny: Scrutinize every transaction request from unfamiliar individuals. Be cautious and question any suspicious requests, ensuring that they align with legitimate rental agreements.
6. Secure Online Transactions: Perform transactions on various online payment platforms cautiously. Familiarize yourself with the features of payment gateways to ensure a secure and informed transaction process.
For assistance, information, or enquiries related to cybercrime, individuals are urged to contact the Cyber Crime Police Station, A&N Islands, through the National Helpline No. 1930 or the A&N Police Cyber Helpline No. 9531856083. Additional resources and information can be found on the official website https://cybercrime.gov.in.