FCRF Cyber Help Desk Advisory

We wish to remind everyone of the increasing prevalence of cyber scams and fraudulent activities. It is crucial to stay vigilant and informed to protect yourself from potential threats. Please take note of the following advisories:

1. Calls from ‘TRAI’ Threatening Phone Disconnection: Scammers may impersonate officials from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) and claim that your phone service is about to be disconnected due to verification or payment issues. These calls often sound urgent, designed to make you act impulsively. Always remember that legitimate authorities do not make such calls or ask for personal details over the phone.
2. Fake FedEx Package Alerts: Fraudsters may call pretending to be from courier companies like FedEx, informing you of an unclaimed package and asking you to press a number for more information. This action can redirect you to automated systems or individuals who may extract personal information or initiate unauthorized financial transactions. It is advised not to engage in such activities.
3. Impersonated Police Calls Regarding Aadhaar: Scammers may pose as police officers or government officials and claim that your Aadhaar information is linked to suspicious activity. They often use authoritative language to intimidate you into sharing personal details. Authentic law enforcement will never demand such details over an unsolicited call. Do not fall into such trap.
4. ‘Digital Arrest’ Notifications: Fraudsters may use the term ‘digital arrest’ or similar threats to scare you into compliance. This is a fabricated concept used to create panic and manipulate victims into acting quickly without due verification. This is a trending cyber crime leading to a loss of crores. Stay vigilant and end the conversation promptly.

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5. Drug Package Scams: Some scams involve calls stating that drugs were found in a package associated with your name or address. The scammers may try to frighten you with the threat of legal action unless you provide personal or financial details. Disconnect the call immediately as this is a common intimidation tactic.
6. Confidentiality Requests: Scammers often emphasize the need for secrecy, instructing you not to tell anyone or share the situation. This is a red flag aimed at isolating you from support and guidance. Do not comply; instead, report the incident to the Cyber Crime Police by calling 1930.
7. WhatsApp and SMS Messages: Be wary of unsolicited messages, especially those containing suspicious links or claiming to offer free services, prizes, or urgent requests. Clicking on such links can lead to phishing sites designed to steal your data or infect your device with malware. Do not respond to suspicious contacts via WhatsApp or SMS. Treat them as scams.
8. Erroneous UPI Transfer Requests: Scammers may claim that they mistakenly transferred money to your UPI ID and ask you to ‘return’ it, often through a process that leads to the siphoning of funds from your account. Verify any financial transactions independently through your bank before acting on such claims and do not comply. This is a scam.
9. ‘Buyer’ Scams with Military IDs: Fraudsters posing as military personnel, showing fake IDs, may contact you with an interest in buying items you’ve posted for sale. They often create trust by invoking their military status and may ask for advance payments or personal information. Always insist on in-person transactions and avoid sharing personal details. Do not respond.
10. Calls from Food Delivery Services: Scammers may call pretending to be from services like Swiggy or Zomato, claiming there is an issue with your address or order. They may ask you to press a number or share details to confirm your identity. These companies do not request such confirmations over the phone. Always verify through the official app.
11. OTP Sharing Requests: OTPs (One-Time Passwords) are highly sensitive and meant to secure transactions. Scammers may trick you into sharing OTPs by claiming it’s necessary for cancelling an order, processing a refund, or verifying an account. Under no circumstances should you share an OTP with anyone.
12. Video Calls: Fraudsters may use video calls as a means to gather visual data or perform scams involving face-to-face intimidation. To avoid falling victim to such schemes, do not answer video calls from unknown numbers.
13. If Unsure: When a call seems suspicious or you feel pressured, the safest approach is to end the call immediately and block the number. This simple action can protect you from further communication attempts by scammers.
14. Suspicious Links: Links, often sent via SMS or email, may be disguised as legitimate but redirect to malicious websites that harvest personal information or install malware. Always scrutinize the source of such links and avoid clicking on them if uncertain.

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15. Verification of Official Notices: If you receive a letter, call, or communication claiming to be from a high-level law enforcement or government department such as the Police, CBI, ED, or IT Department, verify the claim independently by contacting the relevant department using official contact information from their website. Do not respond directly to the caller or message sender.
16. Verify Sources: Ensure that any email or letter is validated by checking against official government portals. Fraudulent communications often mimic the appearance of authentic documents, so always cross-check their legitimacy.

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Digital Safety Best Practices:

• Refrain from sharing personal details such as your address, location, phone number, Aadhaar, PAN, date of birth, or any sensitive information over the phone or through messages.
• If you are contacted and asked to confirm your name or any other detail, do not acknowledge. The caller should already have your information. If unsure, disconnect immediately.
• In any such situation, hang up, note the number, and block it. Do not press any keys or engage further.
• Scammers often use pressure tactics to make you act urgently—be aware that this is a red flag.

Practical Advice:
To minimize risk, consider using a basic keypad phone for bank-related transactions.

If You Fall Victim:
Should you become a target despite taking precautions, report to your local cyber police without hesitation. Protecting your reputation should not prevent you from seeking assistance, as scammers rely on the fear of embarrassment.

Stay safe and vigilant.

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