In today's digital age, as online transactions and internet access have become easier, cybercriminals are increasingly employing new methods of fraud. Sometimes by threatening to win a lottery or close a bank account, or sometimes through fake calls and links, people are being siphoned off with hard-earned money.

If you and your family want to stay safe from online fraud, always keep these essential safety tips in mind:

1. Never share your personal and bank details, including
OTPs and passwords, with anyone: Bank officials, police, or any government employee will never ask for your OTP, UPI PIN, ATM card number, CVV, or password over a phone call. Never share this confidential information with anyone.

Login details: Change your net banking or UPI app passwords frequently and do not keep them written down in a diary or saved on your phone.

2. Avoid clicking on unknown links in
messages and emails: Fake links are often sent via SMS or WhatsApp, claiming to win a lottery, pay your electricity bill, or have a parcel delivered. Do not click on any such unknown links.

App downloads: Always download trusted apps from official sources, such as the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Don't install APK files from third-party websites because someone else is offering them.

3. 'Digital Arrest' (Beware of fake calls and
threats posing as police or CBI): Nowadays, fraudsters make video calls posing as police, customs, or CBI officers and threaten to 'digitally arrest' you, accusing you of smuggling drugs or illegal goods. Remember, no law enforcement agency or department in the country allows digital arrest over video calls. If you receive such a call, disconnect the call immediately.

Loan App Scams: Beware of fraudulent apps that offer instant loans without any documentation. These apps gain access to your phone and then leak personal photos and data to blackmail you.

4. Don't bank on public Wi-Fi.
Never use free Wi-Fi networks at public places like railway stations, airports, hotels, or malls for online shopping, net banking, or UPI payments. Such networks are especially vulnerable to hackers stealing your data.

What to do if you're scammed?
Call the cybercrime helpline number: If you're a victim of any kind of online fraud, call the National Cybercrime Helpline number 1930 immediately.

File a complaint on the portal: Immediately register your complaint on the official Cybercrime website, www.cybercrime.gov.in. Filing a complaint in a timely manner increases the chances of recovering the money transferred to the fraudsters' accounts.

Inform the bank: Immediately report the incident to your respective bank so that they can block your bank account or credit/debit card.

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