Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 27 May 2024
In a concerning development, a recent surge in fraudulent emails claiming to be from various Indian government agencies has been reported. These emails, purportedly from entities such as the Indian Cyber Crime and Indian Cyber Squad, or falsely bearing the names of the Bureau of Police Research & Development (BPR&D), Intelligence Bureau (IB), and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), are part of a sophisticated scam designed to intimidate and deceive recipients.
The malicious emails often come with fake letters that feature fabricated letterheads of legitimate investigative bodies like the IB, CBI, or BPR&D. The content of these emails typically includes severe threats of legal consequences if recipients do not comply with the demands. They falsely accuse individuals of involvement in serious crimes such as handling pornographic materials or narcotics smuggling, aiming to instill fear and coerce recipients into taking action.
These deceitful communications are a classic example of phishing scams, which exploit fear to manipulate victims. It is crucial for the public to recognize these emails as fraudulent and avoid engaging with them. The scammers’ primary goal is to induce panic and trick unsuspecting individuals into parting with their hard-earned money.
Legitimate law enforcement agencies, including the IB, CBI, and BPR&D, do not engage in such unsolicited communication. Any emails received unexpectedly from these entities should be treated with skepticism.
In response to the rise in these fraudulent activities, the Andaman and Nicobar Police have issued a detailed advisory to help safeguard the public:
1. Do Not Respond: If you receive unsolicited emails claiming to be from Cyber Cell India, IB, CBI, or BPR&D, do not respond or engage with them.
2. Verify Authenticity: Before taking any action or replying, verify the legitimacy of the email by contacting your local police station or cyber crime police station.
3. Avoid Clicking Links: Do not click on links in suspicious emails or posts, as they may lead to compromised websites and result in financial loss.
4. Spread Awareness: Inform friends, family, and colleagues about these scams to prevent others from falling victim.
5. Report Incidents: Report any such fraudulent emails to the Cybercrime.gov.in portal and follow @CyberDost on Twitter, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Koo, and LinkedIn for safety tips and updates.
For assistance, further information, or enquiries, individuals can contact the Cyber Crime Police Station in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands via the National Helpline No. 1930 or the A&N Police Helpline No. 9531856083. More information is available at https://cybercrime.gov.in.
By staying informed and vigilant, citizens can protect themselves from falling prey to these malicious scams.