Chennai, October 1 (Daily Kiran) : The Cyber Crime Wing of Tamil Nadu Police has issued a warning to the public about the rising threat of online fraud. Authorities caution that enticing offers such as fake lottery winnings, instant loan apps, scholarship promises, and significant discounts on groceries could be traps designed to steal money and personal information.
In an advisory aimed at raising awareness, the police highlighted that scammers are utilizing messages and social media posts to ensnare victims. They urge individuals to verify the authenticity of any offers before making payments, clicking links, or sharing sensitive information.
One common tactic involves sending messages claiming that the recipient has won a lottery. Scammers then request money for processing fees, taxes, or other charges. The police strongly advise against transferring funds in response to such claims and warn against sharing personal or banking information with strangers, especially if they promise large sums of money in return for advance payments.
Additionally, the Cyber Crime Wing has alerted the public about fraudulent grocery promotions that offer unusually high discounts. These advertisements are crafted to lure customers into clicking links that may lead to scams.
To avoid falling victim, the police recommend verifying any promotions through the retailer’s official website or app. They emphasize the importance of steering clear of unknown links and never sharing OTPs or banking details in response to offers.
Another focus of the advisory is on fraudulent loan applications that promise instant cash. According to the police, these apps collect users’ personal data, which scammers later exploit for harassment under the guise of debt collection. Caution is advised before downloading any instant loan apps.
The advisory also addresses scholarship-related scams, urging individuals to remain vigilant. If someone suspects they have been a victim of cyber fraud or notices any suspicious online activity, they can report it by calling the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 or by visiting ‘cybercrime.gov.in’.
To further educate the public, the Cyber Crime Wing is releasing awareness videos on its official social media accounts, explaining how these scams operate and what precautions should be taken.
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