Cybercriminals have developed new tricks to steal money from bank accounts without requiring an OTP or ATM PIN. They send fake messages with links that look like they are from banks. Once a person clicks on the link, their money is stolen instantly.
How Scammers Trick People
Fraudsters gather personal information, such as phone numbers, from online sources where people have shared their details. They then send messages related to recent purchases, making them appear legitimate. If the recipient clicks on the link in the message, hackers gain access to their bank account and steal money.
A recent case involved a 26-year-old woman from New Delhi who bought an HP laptop from Croma. A few days later, she received a message from an unknown number saying she had won a voucher. The message asked her to share personal details, including bank information, by clicking on a link.
However, the scam had a major flaw—it mentioned both Croma and Vijay Sales, stating that she won the voucher for a purchase made at Vijay Sales. This mistake made her suspicious, and she avoided falling into the trap.
Ways to Protect Yourself from Such Scams
To stay safe from these scams, follow these precautions:
- Be cautious of messages and calls from unknown numbers.
- Never share sensitive information like bank details with strangers.
- Do not click on suspicious links, even if they promise rewards or cash prizes.
- Avoid downloading apps from unverified sources, as they may allow scammers to control your phone.
- If you receive a suspicious call, verify the sender’s identity through official sources before responding.
Other Fraud Techniques Used by Cybercriminals
Apart from phishing links, scammers are using advanced methods such as:
Call Merging Scam – A fraudster calls a person pretending to be a known contact and invites them to cover an event. At the same time, the victim receives another call from an unknown number. The scammer then claims the second call is from a VIP number and asks the victim to merge the calls. This allows the fraudster to secretly listen and capture OTPs sent by banks, leading to account hacking.
Remote Access Trojan (RAT) Attacks – Cybercriminals use special software to take full control of a victim’s device remotely. They send an Android Application Package (APK) file via a fake message. Once the person installs it, hackers gain access to their device, allowing them to steal money or hack social media accounts.
A recent case highlights the severity of these scams. On May 21, the Deputy Superintendent of Police (DySP) of Hassan sub-division reportedly lost ₹15.98 lakh after installing an application from a nationalized bank. The fake link contained an APK file, which gave hackers full access to his phone, resulting in a massive financial loss.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Cybercriminals are becoming more sophisticated in their attacks, making it essential to be cautious while using online banking and digital transactions. If you receive any suspicious messages or calls, report them immediately to the authorities.
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