SP Kamaldeep Goyal issues a cyber safety advisory warning citizens against fake work-from-home scams targeting women and online job seekers.
SP Kamaldeep Goyal urges citizens to stay alert against digital arrest scams, fake investment offers and online financial fraud
Yamunanagar | Rama Kaushik
With cyber frauds becoming increasingly sophisticated, Yamunanagar Superintendent of Police Kamaldeep Goyal, IPS, has issued a comprehensive public advisory urging citizens to remain vigilant against the latest online scams and fraudulent tactics being used by cyber criminals.
The SP said fraudsters are constantly adopting new methods to deceive people, and even a moment of negligence can result in the loss of hard-earned savings and sensitive personal information.
“Public awareness is the strongest defence against cybercrime. Most online frauds can be prevented if people remain cautious and vrify information before taking any action,” Goyal said.
Ignore ‘Digital Arrest’ Threats:No police officer, CBI, Enforcement Directorate, Income Tax Department or any other government agency conducts a “digital arrest” through video calls or demands money over the phone. Disconnect such calls immediately.
Never Share Banking Credentials:Banks, the RBI and government agencies never ask for OTPs, ATM PINs, CVV numbers, UPI PINs or internet banking passwords through calls or messages.
Avoid Screen-Sharing Apps:Do not install applications such as AnyDesk, TeamViewer or QuickSupport at the request of unknown callers, as these can give fraudsters remote access to your device and bank accounts.
Beware of Fake KYC Links:Do not click on links claiming that your bank account, SIM card, electricity connection, gas service or FASTag will be blocked unless KYC is updated. Always verify such claims through official websites or authorised offices.
Stay Away from Fake Investment Schemes:Be cautious of WhatsApp or Telegram groups and online advertisements promising guaranteed profits through stock trading, cryptocurrency, IPOs or investment platforms.
Secure Social Media Accounts:Use strong passwords and enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA) on all social media accounts.
Shop Only on Trusted Platforms:Purchase products only from reliable e-commerce websites and verify sellers before making advance payments.
Think Before Scanning QR Codes:Remember that receiving money never requires scanning a QR code. Scanning an unknown QR code can result in money being debited from your account.
Be Wary of Fake Job Offers:Avoid part-time job, work-from-home or “like and earn” schemes circulated through WhatsApp, Telegram or social media platforms.
Educate Children and Senior Citizens:Family members, especially children and elderly people, should also be made aware of common cyber fraud techniques to prevent them from becoming victims.
The Superintendent of Police advised anyone who falls victim to cyber fraud not to panic but to report the incident immediately, noting that prompt reporting significantly improves the chances of recovering lost funds.
Victims have been urged to contact the National Cyber Helpline (1930) without delay, register complaints on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal, and immediately approach the nearest Cyber Police Station or local police station for assistance.
Reiterating the importance of digital vigilance, Kamaldeep Goyal said, “Alert citizens are the strongest shield against cyber criminals. Think before you click, never trust unknown links or unsolicited calls, and do not fall for unrealistic offers or pressure tactics.”