A woman was duped of Rs 2.89 crore by cyber criminals posing as important government authorities, though prompt action by Mumbai police managed to retrieve Rs 1.29 crore, an official said on Thursday.
Between Monday and Wednesday, cyber criminals posing as Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) officials, police personnel as well as a judge, duped the 73-year-old woman, a resident of Vile Parle here, he said.
Do and Don`t to avoid this cyber fraud
Do’s to Avoid Cyber Fraud
- Verify Unknown Callers/Emails:
- Always verify the identity of someone claiming to be from a bank, government agency, or company.
- Call the official number (from their website) instead of trusting contact numbers shared via email or SMS.
- Use Strong, Unique Passwords:
- Use a password manager and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) on all financial/logins.
- Update Your Devices:
- Keep your operating system, antivirus, and apps updated to protect against security vulnerabilities.
- Use Official Apps and Websites:
- Download apps only from official stores (Google Play Store, Apple App Store).
- Double-check URLs when logging into bank or payment sites.
- Register on the NCPR and Cyber Crime Portals:
- In India, use:
- NCPR (National Cybercrime Reporting Portal): https://cybercrime.gov.in
- Cybercrime Helpline: 1930 (to report cyber frauds instantly)
- In India, use:
- Check Bank Alerts:
- Enable SMS/email alerts for every transaction.
- Report suspicious activity immediately.
- Educate Yourself and Others:
- Stay updated on latest fraud techniques like phishing, spoofing, and investment scams.
Don’ts to Avoid Cyber Fraud
- Don’t Share OTPs, PINs, or CVV:
- No legitimate organization will ever ask for these over a call or SMS.
- Don’t Click on Suspicious Links:
- Avoid clicking on links in unsolicited emails or messages, even if they appear genuine.
- Don’t Transfer Money Based on Fear or Pressure:
- Cybercriminals often create a sense of urgency or fear (“Your account will be blocked”, “Police case”, etc.).
- Take your time and consult someone you trust.
- Don’t Use Public Wi-Fi for Transactions:
- Always use secure networks when accessing financial information.
Final Thought on Cyber Fraud Prevention
In today’s digital world, cyber fraud isn’t a possibility — it’s a growing reality. Scammers are getting smarter, faster, and more convincing, often using psychological tricks, technology, and social engineering to manipulate even cautious individuals.
The key to staying safe is to stay informed, alert, and skeptical. Just as we lock our doors at night, we must lock down our digital lives with the same seriousness.
Remember:
“Think before you click, verify before you trust, and act fast when in doubt.”
Even if you’re digitally savvy, spread awareness among family members, especially the elderly or less tech-literate, as they are frequent targets.
And if you do fall victim — act quickly. Many people have recovered money when they reported it immediately. You’re not alone, and help is available