Tarun Karthick
Sri Vijaya Puram, 18 December 2024
Fraudsters are using SMS, messages on Instant Messaging Apps and online advertisements to lure individuals with promises of high-paying jobs that require little effort or time, only to exploit victims through online financial fraud.
These scams typically involve criminals posing as employers or recruiters, offering attractive part-time job opportunities. However, the catch is that job seekers are asked to pay an upfront fee for registration or materials, only to have their money and personal information siphoned away.
Andaman and Nicobar Police had issued the following advisory earlier for citizens to protect themselves from such scams:
1. Be Cautious of Tempting Offers: Job offers received via text messages or emails from unknown sources, especially those promising high rewards with minimal effort, should be approached with skepticism.
2. Verify Online: Before committing to any offer, search for the company or job offer online. Use keywords like “scam,” “fraud,” or “complaint” along with the company’s name to check for reports of similar fraudulent schemes.
3. Avoid Upfront Payments: Never make payments for registration or any other reason without verifying the authenticity of the employer.
4. Examine SMS Headers: Pay attention to the details in SMS headers to confirm whether the job offer is legitimate.
5. Beware of Urgent Requests: Scammers often create a false sense of urgency. If you receive an unusually urgent request, proceed with caution and thoroughly check its legitimacy.
For further assistance or to report suspicious activities, residents are advised to contact the Cyber Crime Police Station in A&N Islands via the National Helpline No. 1930 or the A&N Police Helpline at 9531856083. Additional information is also available on the official website at cybercrime.gov.in.