Hyderabad: The Cybercrime Police have issued a warning asking citizens not to share personal information such as addresses, phone numbers, Aadhaar, PAN, dates of birth, or any other details with strangers over the phone or via messages. They explained that cybercriminals are using various tricks to deceive and steal money from the public.
The police also provided a simple method to protect yourself from such frauds. They advised, “If you receive a suspicious call, immediately cut the call, note the number, and block it. Do not press any buttons if instructed to do so, and do not engage with them. If the caller tries to pressure or intimidate you, simply end the call and block the number.”
Digital Hygiene Tips:
– If someone calls claiming that TRAI will disconnect your phone, do not respond. It is a scam.
– If you get a call from FedEx about a package and are asked to press a number, do not respond. It is a scam.
– If someone pretending to be a police officer asks about your Aadhaar details, do not respond. It is a scam.
– If they claim you are under “digital arrest,” ignore the call. It is a scam.
– If someone says drugs were found in a package sent to you, do not respond. It is a scam.
– If they ask you not to tell anyone about the situation, do not listen. Report the incident to Cybercrime Police at 1930.
– If you receive messages on WhatsApp or SMS from unknown contacts, do not respond. It is likely a scam.
– If someone claims they accidentally sent money to your UPI ID and asks for it back, do not respond. It is a scam.
– If a person claiming to be from the Army or CRPF wants to buy your car or other items and shows an ID card, do not respond. It is a scam.
– If someone from Swiggy or Zomato asks you to confirm your address by pressing a number, do not respond. It is a scam.
– Never share an OTP to cancel an order or ride. Do not share your OTP with anyone over the phone under any circumstances.
– Avoid answering video calls from unknown numbers.
– If you are confused, turn off your phone and block the number.
– Never click on suspicious links, especially those highlighted in blue.
– Even if you receive a notice from high-level officials like the CBI, ED, or IT Department, verify it offline independently.
– Always check if any letters or notices you receive are from official government portals.
By following these simple steps, you can protect yourself from falling victim to cyber scams.
