Cyber fraud cases are continuously increasing in Himachal Pradesh. symbolic photo
Jagran correspondent, Shimla. In the era of Digital India, the reach of internet, mobile banking and online services has increased to every village. Taking advantage of this boom, cyber thugs are robbing people of their hard-earned money. The situation is such that on an average three people are becoming victims of cyber fraud every hour in the state. Cases of cyber fraud worth more than Rs 10 crore have been reported in a year. These figures show that digital facilities increased, but security and awareness did not increase in that proportion.
Victims are being made through OTP and QR code
Cyber criminals are adopting new tactics of fraud. Sometimes they pretend to be bank officials and ask for OTP, and sometimes they withdraw money from the account on the pretext of scanning the QR code. By sending online links, people are taken to fake websites, from where their bank details are stolen. Especially elderly, rural and less educated people are becoming easy targets of these fraudsters.
Account emptied in the name of refund
In Shimla, a private employee received a call on his mobile phone that his electricity bill had been deducted. A link for refund is being sent. As soon as he clicked on the link, he was asked for OTP. Within a few minutes, Rs 78 thousand were withdrawn from the account. By the time the victim realized that he had been cheated, it was too late.
Scanned QR code and lost Rs 1.20 lakh
A shopkeeper in Mandi district was asked by a customer to scan a QR code in the name of payment. The shopkeeper thought the money would come, but Rs 1.20 lakh was deducted from his account. Later it was revealed that this QR code was not for receiving payment, but for sending money.
Every class is affected, figures are worrying
Among the cases coming up in the state, most of the complaints are related to banking fraud, fake calls, social media fraud and online shopping. According to experts, if this pace continues then the losses may increase further in the future. Cyber crime is no longer just an urban problem but has spread to hilly and remote areas.
It is important to understand that digital facilities are safe only when the user is alert and aware. To curb the increasing cyber fraud in Himachal, public awareness along with law is the strongest shield. No bank or government institution ever asks for OTP, PIN or password over the phone. Do not click on unknown links. Before scanning the QR code, get complete information about it and be immediately alerted on any suspicious call or message. In case of fraud, it is necessary to immediately lodge a complaint on the helpline number 1930.-Ashok Tiwari, Director General of Police.
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