During the festive occasion of Raksha Bandhan, while many people engage in purchasing gifts, sweets, and rakhi online, cyber frauds are also on the rise. Taking advantage of this festive spirit, cybercriminals are sending deceptive messages claiming that a parcel has been delivered in the user’s name. If you receive a message stating that your brother or sister has sent you a parcel, and it includes a link to track the parcel, be sure to read this article before clicking any links; otherwise, you risk depleting your bank account.
Numerous cases have surfaced in which hackers attempt to infiltrate users’ accounts using various ruses. They may mention issues with delivering packages or not being able to locate the recipient’s address. Following this, these hackers initiate a scheme to drain funds from the victims’ accounts. If you receive a suspicious call or message, it’s essential to stay alert. In this article, we provide tips on how to protect yourself from such scams.
How Scams Begin
Scammers will send you links under various pretenses. As soon as you click on these links, they can gain access to your phone. In many instances, they request a small fee, typically between 20 to 25 rupees, under the guise of a redelivery charge. This small amount often leads people to unwittingly provide their debit or credit card details. Consequently, scammers acquire your card information and exploit it to defraud you.
How to Avoid Falling Victim to Such Fraud
- Never click on any links sent by someone claiming to be a delivery person or company.
- If someone asks for payment under the guise of delivery, report it to the courier company immediately.
- Always obtain the contact number of a courier company from its official website, never through Google search.
- Carefully verify the spelling of the company name on the website.
- If you encounter any issues, file a written complaint with the company.
Additional Measures for Enhanced Online Safety
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your online accounts by requiring a second form of verification.
- Use Strong Passwords: Create complex passwords that include a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid making financial transactions over public networks to reduce the risk of hacking.
- Regularly Monitor Bank Statements: Routinely checking your bank accounts can help you spot any unauthorized transactions early.
Conclusion
As the festive season brings joy and celebration, it is important to remain vigilant against potential online scams. By following the preventive measures outlined above, you can help safeguard your finances and protect personally identifiable information from cybercriminals during Raksha Bandhan and beyond.
