Fraudulent activities, particularly cyber fraud, are on the rise, making it crucial to stay vigilant and protect yourself from potential threats.
Among all, senior citizens are especially vulnerable to these scams. To ensure your safety, it’s important to be aware of common fraud tactics and how to avoid them.
 

Bank representatives will never call and ask for your banking or personal details. In case you wish to get in touch with your bank, always visit the official bank website for contact details instead of relying on random information found online.

 

What you should never do:

• Never share personal or banking details with anyone.
• Never click on any links from unknown sources.
• Never share CVV, OTP, PIN, passwords, or any other card details.
• Never download any files or open attachments from unknown sources.
• Never opt for screen-sharing or remote access requests.
• Never download or install APK files received from unknown sources.
• Never click on links to redeem reward points or claim lottery amounts.
• Never conduct transactions over public or open Wi-Fi networks.
• Never update your KYC via calls, by downloading files, or by clicking on links.
   

Adopt these best practices:

• Create strong passwords: Always use unique and complex passwords for all your accounts and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. Use a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Review bank statements: Always review your bank statements to identify and flag any suspicious activity.
• Enable transaction alerts: Always enable transaction alerts for your accounts to identify and flag any suspicious activity.
• App downloads: Always visit the official App Store or Play Store to download any app.
   

How to report:

• If you have already lost money to financial fraud or are a victim of cyber crime, please call the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at 1930 to report or visit https://www.cybercrime.gov.in/ immediately.
• If you encounter something suspicious, report it immediately via the Chakshu Portal here: https://sancharsaathi.gov.in/

 

By following these tips and staying vigilant, you can significantly reduce your risk of falling victim to cyber fraud. Remember, if something feels suspicious, it probably is. Don't hesitate to seek help from a trusted source or report it to the authorities.