Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 04 November 2023
A new and concerning trend in financial cyber fraud has emerged, as fraudsters employ deceptive SMS tactics to ensnare unsuspecting job seekers into their web of cybercrime. The fraudulent scheme involves sending Fake Job Offer SMSs, luring individuals with the promise of lucrative remote job opportunities that require minimal time and effort, only to ultimately extort money and personal information from their victims.
These cybercriminals typically deploy online advertisements, falsely claiming that they can offer high-paying part-time jobs that can be done from the comfort of one’s home. These enticing job offers are, in reality, elaborate scams that prey on the desperate and the hopeful.
The modus operandi behind this scam is simple yet effective: fraudsters impersonate employers or recruiters, presenting appealing employment prospects that appear too good to be true. However, in order to secure these fictitious jobs, job seekers are instructed to make upfront payments, a practice that only serves to line the pockets of the criminals while leaving the victims in financial distress.
In response to this alarming trend, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have issued a crucial advisory to help individuals safeguard themselves from falling victim to this insidious cyber fraud. Their recommendations include:
1. Be Wary of Unsolicited Job Offers: Avoid succumbing to enticing job offers delivered via text messages or emails from unknown senders.
2. Research the Company: Conduct an online search using keywords like “scam,” “fraud,” or “complaint” along with the company’s name to verify if similar scams are being reported.
3. Avoid Making Payments Upfront: Do not make any payments or provide personal information without verifying the authenticity of the employer for registration or other purposes.
4. Inspect SMS-Headers: Scrutinize the SMS-Headers to confirm the legitimacy of a job offer.
5. Beware of Urgency: Fraudsters often create a sense of urgency. Be cautious and think critically if a request appears overly rushed.
For those who may require assistance, information, or have inquiries related to this cyber fraud, the Andaman and Nicobar Police encourage individuals to contact their Cyber Cell in Port Blair via the Cyber Helpline at 9531856083 or visit the official website at cybercrime.gov.in.