Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 24 May 2024
Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) Police have issued an urgent advisory following a significant increase in fraudulent activities targeting individuals through WhatsApp and other communication platforms. Scammers are impersonating representatives of law enforcement agencies, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), to extort money from unsuspecting victims.
Modus Operandi of the Fraudsters:
These fraudsters are informing individuals that their relatives, particularly their children, are involved in serious legal issues, such as rape, abetment to suicide, or drug-related cases. Preying on the emotional distress of parents, they demand money in exchange for the release of their loved ones. Additionally, there have been reports of fake kidnappings involving college students, with ransom demands being made.
Key Warning Signs:
The fraudulent calls often originate from numbers with the country code +92. The public is strongly advised not to respond to such calls and to exercise extreme caution when receiving international WhatsApp calls from unknown numbers.
Steps to Protect Yourself:
To help citizens protect themselves from these scams, the A&N Police recommend the following measures:
Stay Vigilant: Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages, especially from unknown international numbers on WhatsApp.
Verify Claims: Do not engage with individuals claiming to be from law enforcement agencies who request money or personal information over the phone.
Report Suspicious Activity: Use the ‘Chakshu-Report Suspected Fraud Communications’ feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal http://www.sancharsaathi.gov.in to report fraudulent activities.
Check Mobile Connections: Regularly verify mobile connections linked to your name using the ‘Know Your Mobile Connections’ feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal. Report any unauthorized connections immediately.
Silence Unknown Callers: Adjust WhatsApp settings to silence calls from unknown numbers by navigating to Settings > Privacy > Calls > Silence Unknown Callers.
Direct Verification: If you receive distressing information about a loved one, contact them directly on their mobile number to verify the claim.
Andaman & Nicobar Police urged all citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in safeguarding themselves and their loved ones against such fraudulent activities. By staying informed and taking necessary precautions, we can collectively combat cyber-crime and ensure the safety of our communities.
For assistance, information, or enquiries, please contact Cyber Crime Police Station, A&N Islands through National Helpline No.: 1930 or A & N Police Helpline No.: 9531856083.