MUMBAI: State cyber officials have warned people not to fall victims to the two frauds that they have across on social media wherein scamster has posted fake links of a cooperative bank and fake website of a gas company for carrying out online banking frauds.
Cyber experts felt that recently the scamster is coming out with innovative modus operandi luring people with job offers, earning banking reward points through fake links and advertisements to steal confidential data that can be used to extort money, or the KYC documents asked to share can be used to blackmail.
On Saturday, the cyber officials tweeted: “Fake messages have been circulating under the RBL Bank name. These messages are posted on social media with a link (rblrewards.com) luring people to redeem points from the credit card to earn rewards.” Those clicking the link end up compromising with their confidential bank data.
The tweet warned people not sharing any details about the job openings posted in the name of Bajaj Gas Enterprises Limited (BGEL). Maharashtra cyber cell tweeted: “The HPCL has warned through its Twitter handle that BEGL, a fake company, has called for recruitment applications. The public is advised to visit only the Official HPCL website http://hindustanpetroleum.com for authentic and official information
relating to recruitment by us and not to fall prey to fraudsters.” The
Joint commissioner of police Yashasvi Yadav said such links are used to steal the data of the victims. “This is called data theft. Clicking the links lead to losing money after the scamster get hold of the confidential bank data,” said Yadav.
Cyber expert Ritesh Bhatia said fraudsters generally ask for KYC documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card or even passport which is then used for opening bank accounts, obtaining credit cards or loans and can also be used for swapping SIMs. “Such bank accounts, known as mule accounts, are then used to receive money from victims of financial cybercrimes. Moreover, the fraudsters may also blackmail the victim by demanding a huge fee to return the document. Thus, one should never send original or even scanned copies of such important documents. In case if a scanned copy of such a document is required to be sent, always mark the purpose for which the document is being provided,” said Bhatia.
Cyber experts felt that recently the scamster is coming out with innovative modus operandi luring people with job offers, earning banking reward points through fake links and advertisements to steal confidential data that can be used to extort money, or the KYC documents asked to share can be used to blackmail.
On Saturday, the cyber officials tweeted: “Fake messages have been circulating under the RBL Bank name. These messages are posted on social media with a link (rblrewards.com) luring people to redeem points from the credit card to earn rewards.” Those clicking the link end up compromising with their confidential bank data.
The tweet warned people not sharing any details about the job openings posted in the name of Bajaj Gas Enterprises Limited (BGEL). Maharashtra cyber cell tweeted: “The HPCL has warned through its Twitter handle that BEGL, a fake company, has called for recruitment applications. The public is advised to visit only the Official HPCL website http://hindustanpetroleum.com for authentic and official information
relating to recruitment by us and not to fall prey to fraudsters.” The
Joint commissioner of police Yashasvi Yadav said such links are used to steal the data of the victims. “This is called data theft. Clicking the links lead to losing money after the scamster get hold of the confidential bank data,” said Yadav.
Cyber expert Ritesh Bhatia said fraudsters generally ask for KYC documents such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card or even passport which is then used for opening bank accounts, obtaining credit cards or loans and can also be used for swapping SIMs. “Such bank accounts, known as mule accounts, are then used to receive money from victims of financial cybercrimes. Moreover, the fraudsters may also blackmail the victim by demanding a huge fee to return the document. Thus, one should never send original or even scanned copies of such important documents. In case if a scanned copy of such a document is required to be sent, always mark the purpose for which the document is being provided,” said Bhatia.
