13 types of scams going on in the market before Diwali, government also worried

New Delhi. The festival of Diwali is around the corner and this is the time when people plan to buy gifts for their family and friends. But, when you are preparing to buy gifts for your loved ones, fraudulent people try to make you their victim. The Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In) has recently issued an advisory regarding online shopping scams.

CERT-In says that these days fraudsters are using not just one or two but as many as 13 methods to cheat people. Therefore now everyone needs to be alert. People do a lot of shopping on Diwali. Nowadays online shopping is very popular. Fraudsters are trying to break into people’s accounts by giving various kinds of allurements.

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This is a trap laid to deceive you
Through phishing scams, fraudsters use emails or messages to imitate trusted brands and steal users’ login credentials or personal data. Efforts are also being made to mislead people by pretending to win a prize or lottery. Fraudsters are also duping money by creating fake online dating profiles. People are being cheated by fake job advertisements, on the pretext of fixing some technical problem and also by promising huge returns on investing money somewhere.

To steal people’s money, swindlers are running fake online stores from where fake goods are being supplied to people at full cost. Similarly, some fraudsters mistakenly claim to have transferred money to someone’s account and pressurize them to return it by giving fake proof. Money is being extorted from people by claiming to be officers of police or other law enforcement agencies.

This is how to avoid fraud

• Verify Caller: Check the authenticity of the caller. Avoid video calls or money transfers. Government agencies do not use WhatsApp or Skype.
• Don’t panic: Fraudsters force people to take decisions by scaring them. In such times, wait for a moment before taking decisions.
• Do not share personal information: Official agencies never ask for banking details, OTP etc. Therefore do not share your personal information with anyone.
• Do not install software: Letting someone control your phone or PC remotely can be a big mistake. Therefore, do not download any software or app on someone’s advice.
• Don’t transfer money: Don’t be tempted by an offer to send money. Those asking for money over phone or online are often fraudsters.
• Report suspicious activity: If you believe you have been defrauded, report it to your bank and cyber crime department.
• Do not click on links or attachments: Especially avoid clicking on links from unknown sources.
• Don’t install apps shared by strangers: Only download apps from official app stores and don’t share your device with anyone you don’t know.

Tag: Diwali, online fraud, technical Bulletin