Hyderabad: The Hyderabad police on Tuesday issued a caution asking the people not to share confidential details with anyone, even with the family members and friends.
In a public advisory, Deputy Commissioner of Police, Hyderabad cybercrime unit, Dara Kavitha, advised the people not to share user ID, password, debit card number, PIN, card verification value (CVV) and OTP etc. If necessary, immediately change credentials. Bank officials, financial institutions, RBI and any genuine entity never ask customers to share confidential information.
“Don’t install any Apk files which are forwarded or sent through Whatsapp as fraudsters will steal data by compromising devices. Never respond to emails and embedded APK file links in messages and calls asking you to update or verify KYC documents pending,” she explained.
“If you have any genuine doubt about safety of your interests, it is advisable to physically visit your bank or financial institution. There is a possibility to get a refund of at least part of the lost and put on hold amount, if a cyber fraud is reported immediately,” she said.
Victims of such cyber frauds can report immediately on the helpline number 1930 or through the national cyber crime reporting portal cybercrime.gov.in.
According to DCP, a victim received a call claiming to be from a private bank, requesting an increase in credit card limit and asking for personal details, including the card number. The caller instructed to install an APK file sent on Whatsapp.
The victim then installed the application after which his mobile phone was compromised and later multiple transactions totaling Rs.2.91 lakh were debited from the victim’s credit card without him disclosing the OTP.
The victim approached the police station immediately and the NCRP Team of cyber crime unit Hyderabad has identified the malware sent to the victim’s mobile and after removing it identified that the transactions were made on Amazon in three separate purchases. The victim filed an online complaint with the police on November 2, 2024.
Notices were sent to authorities concerned immediately for blocking funds. As a result of prompt action by the NCRP team led to the merchant refunding the total amount of Rs.2.91 lakh to the victim’s credit card without a court order.
