From Job Scam to Fake Police Call: Chennai Resident’s Narrow Escape from Cyber Fraudsters

A Chennai resident, Radhika (name changed), became a target for cybercriminals not once, but twice. After losing a huge sum of Rs 7.7 lakh to a job scam on the Telegram app, she nearly fell victim to a follow-up scam posing as legitimate help from the authorities. This incident underscores the evolving tactics of cybercriminals who exploit victims’ vulnerabilities after an initial attack.

Double Jeopardy: From Job Scam to Fake Help

Radhika, having lost a substantial amount to the initial scam, filed a complaint with the Tambaram Cyber Crime Police on March 14th. Just two days later, she received a call from a number identified as “Cyber Help Desk” by Truecaller. Mistakenly believing it to be the police following up on her complaint, she picked up the call. The caller, impersonating someone from the cybercrime department, demanded a fee of Rs 12,750 for “legal proceedings.”

Red Flags and Resourcefulness

Fortunately, Radhika became suspicious when the caller requested details she had already provided in her official complaint. This red flag prompted her to contact the police officer handling her case, who confirmed that the cybercrime department does not charge any fees for filing a case. Radhika then received messages from the “Cyber Help Desk” number, reiterating the demand for “legal expense” and providing bank account details. Following the police’s advice, she wisely avoided making any payments and reported the messages as well.

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Police Issue Warning and Offer Cybersecurity Guidance

The Tambaram Cyber Crime Police issued a public warning, urging citizens to be wary of unsolicited calls or messages claiming to be from authorities. They emphasized that the cybercrime department does not request any fees for filing complaints.

To empower individuals to protect themselves in the face of cybercrime, the police offered valuable cybersecurity tips:

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• Compartimentalize Your Digital Life: Using dedicated email addresses and phone numbers for banking and social media activities minimizes the potential exposure of sensitive information in case of a breach. This reduces the attack surface for future scams.
• Secure Compromised Credentials: If a phone number was involved in the scam, consider getting a new one, especially for banking purposes. Move all banking activities to the new number to enhance security. By isolating banking activities, you can potentially prevent further financial losses.
• Report the Crime Officially: Instead of seeking help or posting details about the scam on social media platforms, victims should file a formal complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal (https://cybercrime.gov.in/). Social media platforms can be breeding grounds for other scammers, and public disclosure of details might compromise your security further.
• Time is of the Essence: Call the National Cyber Crime Helpline number (155250) immediately to report the scam. This prompt action can potentially freeze your bank accounts, minimizing further financial losses. Early reporting also aids in investigations.

Cybersecurity Experts: Limit Information Sharing

Cybersecurity experts underscore the importance of limiting information sharing online. “Victims searching online for ways to recover money from scammers often end up on fake websites operated by other cybercriminals,” they warn. By following these steps and staying vigilant, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to further scams after a cybercrime incident.

Remember, if you suspect you’ve been a target of cybercrime, prioritize reporting the incident to the authorities and avoid engaging with suspicious callers or online messages.

The “1930” Cyber Crime Helpline offers a swift and efficient way for victims of cybercrime to seek help and report incidents. This service is a crucial tool in the fight against digital fraud, providing around-the-clock assistance to those impacted by online scams, identity theft, and more.

Here’s How to Use the 1930 Helpline:

1. Call “1930”: Access immediate assistance by dialing the helpline, available 24/7.
2. Provide Information: Share details about the cybercrime incident, including what happened, when, and any financial impact.
3. Follow Guidance: Receive advice on immediate steps to secure your digital presence and mitigate further risks.
4. File a Complaint: The helpline staff will guide you through the process of formally reporting the crime, possibly directing you to an online portal for detailed submission.
5. Track Your Case: After filing, you’ll get a reference number to monitor the progress of your complaint and receive updates.

Why It Matters: The 1930 helpline simplifies the reporting process, ensuring victims get the help they need quickly. It’s an essential part of creating a safer digital environment, encouraging prompt action and awareness against cyber threats.

Quick Tips for Cybercrime Victims:

• Keep all evidence, such as messages and transaction records.
• Be cautious about sharing personal information online.
• Regularly update your passwords and use two-factor authentication.

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