Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 23 April 2024
A concerning new trend has emerged in the realm of financial cybercrime, as fraudsters are now exploiting the identities of Indian army personnel to perpetrate scams. These fraudulent activities aim to capitalise on the esteemed reputation of the armed forces, ensnaring unsuspecting victims who have advertised properties for rent on popular housing platforms, real estate websites, and social media channels.
In response to this alarming development, the Andaman and Nicobar Police has issued a comprehensive advisory, urging individuals to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect themselves from falling victim to such deceitful schemes.
Outlined below are key recommendations from the advisory:
1. Exercise Caution with OTP Requests: Individuals are reminded that providing One-Time Passwords (OTPs) is a necessary step for sending money, not for receiving it. Vigilance is crucial when prompted to enter OTPs, especially in unsolicited or suspicious circumstances.
2. Verify Identity of Potential Renters: When approached by unknown individuals expressing interest in renting properties such as houses, flats, or rooms, it is advisable to verify their identity through alternate means or sources. Confirming the legitimacy of the prospective renter can help mitigate the risk of falling prey to fraudulent schemes.
3. Beware of Urgent Requests: Fraudsters often employ tactics of urgency to pressure their victims into hasty decisions. Individuals are advised to exercise scrutiny and caution when confronted with overly urgent requests, particularly in rental transactions.
4. Verify Conversations and Identity Details: Relying solely on conversations and identity details provided by unknown parties on messaging applications or house renting platforms is risky. It is recommended to cross-reference and verify information through multiple channels to ensure authenticity.
5. Scrutinise Transaction Requests: Every transaction request from unfamiliar individuals should be carefully scrutinised. Individuals are encouraged to exercise diligence and caution when processing transactions, particularly with unknown parties.
6. Familiarize Yourself with Online Transaction Platforms: Acquainting oneself with the features and security measures provided by online payment gateways is essential. Being well-informed about various online transaction platforms can help individuals navigate potential risks more effectively.
For those in need of assistance, information, or inquiries regarding cybercrime prevention, the Cyber Crime Police Station in A & N Islands can be reached via the national helpline number 1930 or the A&N Police Cyber Helpline number 9531856083. Additionally, individuals are encouraged to visit cybercrime.gov.in for further guidance and resources.
By remaining vigilant and adhering to these precautionary measures, individuals can safeguard themselves against falling victim to financial cyber frauds orchestrated by exploiting the identities of Indian armed forces personnel.