Tarun Karthick
Campbell Bay, 28 October 2023
In a troubling development in the realm of financial cyber fraud, fraudsters have begun impersonating Indian army personnel to exploit the trust and goodwill associated with the armed forces. Their modus operandi involves targeting innocent victims who have listed their properties, including houses, flats, and rooms, for rent on popular housing websites, real estate databases, and social media platforms.
To combat this emerging threat, the Andaman and Nicobar Police has issued a comprehensive advisory to help potential victims safeguard themselves from falling prey to this malicious scheme.
The advisory provides the following key recommendations:
1. OTP is for Sending, Not Receiving Money: Always remember that entering a One-Time Password (OTP) is a requirement for sending money, not for receiving it.
2. Verify the Identity: When an unknown person contacts you regarding renting your property, take steps to confirm their identity through various available methods and sources.
3. Beware of Urgency: Fraudsters often apply pressure and create a sense of urgency in their requests. Scrutinise any inquiries and requests that appear too rushed or impatient.
4. Question Conversations: Avoid relying solely on conversations and identity details provided by unknown individuals on messaging apps and housing rental platforms. Carry out additional verifications before proceeding with any transaction.
5. Examine Transaction Requests: Thoroughly scrutinise every transaction request made by individuals who are unfamiliar to you. Do not hastily transfer money or provide personal information.
6. Transaction Awareness: Carefully conduct transactions on various online payment platforms and educate yourself about the features and security measures provided by these payment gateways.
For those who require assistance, information, or have inquiries related to potential cyber fraud cases, the Andaman and Nicobar Police recommends contacting the Cyber Cell in Port Blair. They have established a Cyber Helpline accessible at 9531856083 and urge individuals to visit the official website at cybercrime.gov.in for more information and support.
This advisory comes as a response to a growing concern of cyber fraudsters exploiting the trust and respect the Indian armed forces command, and serves as a reminder for individuals to exercise vigilance and take precautions when interacting with unknown parties in the digital landscape. By following these guidelines, residents can better protect themselves from falling victim to these impersonation scams and financial cyber fraud.