Scam Alert: Called customer care, fraudsters emptied your bank account. If you see these signs, be cautious...

Cybercriminals are employing innovative methods to defraud people these days. A single wrong phone call can rob you of your life's savings. Using fake toll-free numbers, fraudsters are luring ordinary people and stealing their money and personal information. Recently, many people have been duped simply because they called the wrong number or received a call from a number they couldn't recognize. Therefore, you need to be vigilant, as anyone can become a victim of cyber fraud.

Called the Wrong Number and Got Scammed
The Indian Express report states that cybercriminals are defrauding people by creating fake toll-free numbers. These numbers often appear when people search for customer care numbers on sites like Google. A 52-year-old man in Pathanamthitta, Kerala, searched for his water purifier company's number and called the wrong number. The fraudsters made him download an app that took complete control of his phone. Within minutes, ₹95,000 was withdrawn from his bank account. The police have filed a case in this matter and advised people to always consult the company's official website for customer care.

Fraudsters post fake numbers on search engines.
Fraudsters are very clever. They buy advertisements to promote fake numbers in search engines. They create websites that look exactly like the real thing. Some even change the caller ID so that the call appears to be coming from a bank or government office. They claim that if they don't comply, they will incur losses or pressure them to make a quick decision. Sometimes they claim that your account is compromised and you need to download an app to fix it. These apps give fraudsters access to your phone and bank account.

How to Protect Yourself
If a caller asks you to make an immediate decision, such as transferring money or providing an OTP, be cautious. If someone asks for payment by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire transfer, this could be a sign of fraud. Never trust numbers displayed in pop-ups. No genuine company will ask you for your PAN card, Aadhaar number, or bank details. If a caller claims there's a problem with your phone or account and needs remote access, hang up immediately.

Get the number from the company's official website or the bill.
It's crucial not to get any number from a search engine. Always use the company's official website or the number on the back of your bill or card. If you have any doubts, hang up and contact your bank or company directly. If you accidentally provide any information, immediately disconnect the internet, scan your phone for malware, and inform your bank. Change your password and report it on the Cyber ​​Crime portal (cybercrime.gov.in).

Report Here
Use the spam call filter on your phone. Keep updated with reliable sources like Cyber ​​Friend CERT-IN. If you receive a fraudulent call or message, report it to the Chakshu portal (sancharsaathi.gov.in).

Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Navbharat Times. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.