Hyderabad Techie’s Rs 18 Lakh Saved in Just 11 Minutes by Cybercrime Cops!

Hyderabad cybercrime saves techie : In a commendable display of efficiency, the Hyderabad cybercrime police managed to save a software professional from Amberpet from being defrauded of Rs 18 lakh within just 11 minutes of receiving the complaint.

The 31-year-old techie, employed with a reputed software firm, fell victim to a cyber fraud perpetrated by an individual posing as an executive from a courier agency. The fraudster duped the victim into believing that his Aadhaar credentials had been used to transport illegal drugs from Mumbai to Iran, thereby creating a sense of urgency and panic.

Hyderabad Techie’s Rs 18 Lakh Saved in Just 11 Minutes by Cybercrime Cops!

The Fraud

According to DCP (Cybercrimes) D. Kavitha, the fraudster contacted the victim and claimed that his Aadhaar details were used in a drug trafficking case. To resolve the issue, the victim was instructed to contact the Mumbai cybercrime police via Skype. Exploiting the victim’s fear, the fraudsters manipulated him into borrowing a personal loan of Rs 18 lakh and transferring the amount into their bank account.

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The Rescue

Realizing he had been scammed, the techie immediately approached the cybercrime police. Acting swiftly, the police registered an online complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) and escalated the issue to both the victim’s bank and the suspect’s bank. The prompt response from the bank officials led to the transaction being blocked, thereby preventing the fraudsters from accessing the Rs 18 lakh. The entire rescue operation was accomplished in a remarkable time span of just 11 minutes.

“The bank officials responded quickly and blocked the transaction for the whole amount of Rs 18 lakh in the account associated with the cyber fraudsters. The whole episode happened in a time span of just 11 minutes,” said DCP Kavitha.

Cybercrime Police Advisory

In light of this incident, the cybercrime police have issued the following advisory to help citizens protect themselves from such scams:

1. Verify the Source: Always verify the source of unsolicited calls, messages, or emails before sharing any personal or financial information.
2. Avoid Unknown Bank Transactions: Never deposit money into unknown bank accounts.
3. Beware of Unusual Requests: Law enforcement agencies do not initiate contact through Skype calls or ask for money transfers.
4. Ignore Unsolicited Job Offers: Do not engage with individuals or groups sending unsolicited part-time job offers.
5. Protect Sensitive Information: Never share sensitive information like bank account details, passwords, or social security numbers with strangers.

Reporting Cyber Financial Frauds

If you encounter any cyber financial frauds, it is crucial to report them immediately. Here are the steps you can take:

1. Cybercrime Helpline: Dial 1930.
2. Local Police Station: Visit your nearest police station to file a report.
3. National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Submit a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in.

By staying vigilant and informed, you can protect yourself and your finances from cyber fraud. The swift action by the Hyderabad cybercrime police in this case serves as a reminder of the importance of quick reporting and the efficiency of the authorities in tackling cybercrime.

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FAQs about Cybercrime and Online Fraud Prevention

1. What should I do if I receive a suspicious call asking for personal information?

• Answer: Do not share any personal information. Verify the caller’s identity by contacting the organization they claim to represent using official contact details.

2. How can I protect my online banking details?

• Answer: Use strong, unique passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and regularly monitor your account for any unauthorized transactions.

3. What are some common signs of phishing emails?

• Answer: Look for generic greetings, misspellings, suspicious links, and requests for personal information. Always verify the sender’s email address.

4. How can I report a cybercrime?

• Answer: You can report a cybercrime by dialing the Cybercrime Helpline at 1930, visiting your local police station, or filing a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in.

5. What steps should I take if I realize I’ve been scammed online?

• Answer: Immediately contact your bank to block any unauthorized transactions, report the scam to local authorities, and change your passwords and security questions for all affected accounts.

6. How can I secure my social media accounts?

• Answer: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, review privacy settings, and be cautious about accepting friend requests from unknown individuals.

7. What are the risks of using public Wi-Fi networks?

• Answer: Public Wi-Fi networks are often unsecured, making it easier for hackers to intercept your data. Avoid accessing sensitive information or conducting financial transactions on public Wi-Fi.

8. How do I know if a website is secure?

• Answer: Look for “https://” at the beginning of the URL and a padlock icon in the address bar. This indicates that the website uses encryption to protect your data.

9. What should I do if I receive a suspicious email attachment?

• Answer: Do not open the attachment. Delete the email and report it to your email provider as phishing or spam.

10. Can antivirus software protect me from all online threats?

• Answer: While antivirus software can protect against many threats, it is not foolproof. Stay informed about the latest threats and practice safe online behavior.

11. What is two-factor authentication, and why is it important?

• Answer: Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security by requiring a second form of verification (such as a code sent to your phone) in addition to your password.

12. How can I avoid falling for online shopping scams?

• Answer: Shop on reputable websites, read reviews, avoid deals that seem too good to be true, and use secure payment methods like credit cards or trusted payment gateways.

13. What are some tips for creating strong passwords?

• Answer: Use a mix of letters, numbers, and special characters. Avoid using easily guessable information like birthdays or common words. Consider using a password manager.

14. What is ransomware, and how can I protect my data from it?

• Answer: Ransomware is malicious software that locks you out of your data until you pay a ransom. Protect your data by regularly backing it up and using antivirus software.

15. How can I recognize a fake tech support scam?

• Answer: Be wary of unsolicited calls or pop-ups claiming your device is infected. Legitimate tech companies do not initiate contact this way. Always verify the source before taking action.

16. What should I do if my personal information is exposed in a data breach?

• Answer: Monitor your accounts for suspicious activity, change your passwords, and consider placing a fraud alert on your credit reports.

17. How can I protect my children from online predators?

• Answer: Educate your children about online safety, monitor their internet use, use parental controls, and encourage them to report any suspicious behavior.