India has recently seen a significant increase in spam and fraud calls, targeting citizens of all ages. These calls often involve fake offers, lottery winnings, bank alerts, or investment schemes, aiming to trick people into sharing sensitive personal or financial information.
The government has issued warnings urging citizens to stay vigilant and adopt measures to protect themselves from financial loss and identity theft.
🛑 Common Types of Spam & Fraud Calls
1. Bank Fraud Calls:
o Callers claim to be bank officials and ask for OTP, PIN, or account details.
2. Lottery or prize Scams:
o Victims are told they’ve won prizes but need to pay a “processing fee” to claim them.
3. Investment Scams:
o Fraudsters lure people with high-return investment schemes or fake cryptocurrency opportunities.
4. Technical Support Scams:
o Calls claiming your device or account is at risk and urging you to install apps or share credentials.
🔒 Simple Steps to Stay Safe
1. Do Not Share Personal Details:
o Avoid giving OTP, bank account number, passwords, or PAN details over calls.
2. Register on DND (Do Not Disturb):
o Dial 1909 or use your mobile carrier’s app to block unsolicited commercial calls.
3. Verify Before Acting:
o If a caller claims to be from a bank or government, hang up and call the official number to confirm.
4. Use Call-Blocking Apps:
o Smartphones have built-in spam filters; apps like Truecaller help identify fraudulent callers.
5. Report Suspicious Calls:
o Forward spam messages to 7726 (anti-fraud number) or report to the cybercrime portal.
6. Stay Informed:
o Keep track of official alerts from the government or RBI about ongoing scams.
🌟 Why This Matters
· Financial Protection: Reduces chances of losing money to fraudsters.
· Data Security: Prevents misuse of personal and sensitive information.
· Public Awareness: Educates citizens to recognize red flags before it’s too late.
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, organization, employer, or company. All information provided is for general informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, about the completeness, reliability, or suitability of the information contained herein. Readers are advised to verify facts and seek professional advice where necessary. Any reliance placed on such information is strictly at the reader’s own risk.
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