By Vineet Kumar 
Digital Arrests, Aadhaar Scams, and More: How to Protect Yourself from Cybercrimes
Common Scams in India:
The festive season is over, but along with the celebrations and shopping sprees comes a wave of cyber scams. Cybercrime is booming, especially during high-spending times like Diwali. Over 1.1 million cases were reported in India last year, according to the National Crime Records Bureau. Many victims are elderly, as scammers use sophisticated methods to trap unsuspecting people. Here’s a look at the top scams in India right now and how you can protect yourself.
1. The Customer Support Scam
Imagine you’re trying to reach customer service for your favorite shopping app or bank. You search online, find a contact number, and give it a call. But instead of legitimate support, you’ve dialed a scammer posing as customer service. They might ask you to download a screen-sharing app to “help troubleshoot” your issue. And before you know it, they’ve gained full access to your phone.
Example: Suresh was in a rush to fix an issue with his bank app and quickly called a number he found online. The “support agent” convinced him to install a screen-sharing app. Within minutes, the scammer transferred money out of Suresh’s account.
How to stay safe: Only use contact details directly from official websites or verified apps. Never download an app or share access to your phone without verifying the source.
2. ‘Digital Arrests’
This one’s a little more dramatic. Scammers pose as police or enforcement officials and accuse you of a crime. They’ll use alarming language, say your Aadhaar card or PAN has been linked to a criminal activity, and even threaten jail if you don’t cooperate. People have been locked in their own homes under orders from fake officials, while the scammer drains their money bit by bit.
Example: Ravi received a call from someone claiming to be a police officer. They told him his identity was linked to a major crime, and he had to pay a “fine” or face arrest. In fear, he sent money to the scammer’s account.
How to stay safe: Remember, authorities will never ask for payments over the phone. If you receive such a call, ask for a case number and contact your local police station to confirm.
3. Aadhaar Scams
In Aadhaar scams, fraudsters misuse Aadhaar biometrics to make unauthorized withdrawals from a person’s bank account. Scammers sometimes collect Aadhaar details through phishing or by tricking people at fake fingerprint devices.
Example: Rani, an elderly woman, noticed her savings were mysteriously draining. It turned out that her biometrics had been used in unauthorized AePS transactions.
How to stay safe: You can lock your Aadhaar biometrics online through the UIDAI website to prevent unauthorized use.
4. Social Media Frauds
Scammers can easily create fake social media accounts, using publicly available pictures and details. They’ll pose as your relative or friend and message you in a panic, saying they need money for an emergency.
Example: Ajay received a message from his “cousin” claiming to be stranded without money. He immediately sent some cash, only to later find his cousin never needed help – it was an imposter!
How to stay safe: Before sending money, call the person directly to verify the situation. Fraudsters prey on our instinct to help, especially during emergencies, so it’s wise to double-check.
Essential Cybersecurity Tips
1. Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics: Visit the UIDAI website to lock/unlock your biometrics and protect your Aadhaar data.
2. Be Wary of Downloads and Screen Sharing: Never download apps or software at someone else’s request unless you fully trust the source. Scammers often ask you to install apps for “assistance,” only to steal your data.
3. Be QR Code-Savvy: QR codes are for sending payments, not receiving them. If someone asks you to scan a QR code to “receive” money, that’s a red flag.
4. Unknown Transfers: If someone you don’t know transfers money to you by mistake, consult a trusted financial advisor before taking action. Sometimes scammers send small amounts to gain trust and then ask for access.
5. Think Before Clicking: Links and SMS messages can be easily spoofed. If you’re suspicious, avoid clicking until you’ve verified the source.
Lastly, if you or anyone you know falls victim to cybercrime, report it by calling the official police helpline at 1930. Stay informed, stay alert, and keep your financial and digital information safe!
