How cybercriminals are targeting rural population to commit financial frauds
By staying informed and cautious, rural users can protect themselves from falling prey to these sophisticated cybercrimes.
In the digital age, rural areas are becoming increasingly vulnerable to cybercrimes, which exploit people’s trust and unfamiliarity with advanced technology. Cybercriminals have devised ingenious methods to deceive rural users, leveraging fear, urgency, and promises of quick profits. This article explores five emerging cybercrime strategies targeting rural populations and manipulating their mindsets for financial fraud.
- Online Detention or Virtual Arrest
A particularly insidious scam involves cybercriminals staging a virtual arrest through video calls. These fraudsters use illicitly obtained contact details to create a convincing replica of a police station setting. During the video call, they inform the victim that parcels containing illegal items such as drugs, fake ATM cards, passports, or mobile phones have been found in their name. The victim is told they are under virtual arrest and must manage the situation immediately to avoid legal consequences. Exploiting the victim’s panic, fraudsters then demand immediate financial transactions to “resolve” the case. This scam preys on human psychology, leveraging the instant fear of legal trouble to extract large sums of money. Numerous individuals fall prey to this scam daily, losing lakhs of rupees.
- Threat of Detention of Family Members
Another prevalent scam involves threats about the detention of family members during their travels. Cybercriminals gather details from third-party travel agencies and strike when the family member’s phone is unreachable, typically when they are in flight mode or out of network coverage. The fraudster contacts the victim’s family, claiming their loved one has been caught in illegal activities such as drug trafficking, arms dealing, or other serious offenses. They demand immediate payment to avoid filing an FIR and to release the family member discreetly. This scam manipulates the victim’s fear and urgency to protect their loved ones, leading to hasty financial transactions.
- Cyber Fraud Promising Instant Profit
This type of fraud promises quick monetary gains through simple tasks. Cybercriminals lure victims with small tasks like liking Facebook posts, subscribing to YouTube channels, or leaving Google reviews, offering ₹150 to ₹250 for each task. After gaining the victim’s trust, they propose an investment of ₹1000 in virtual stocks, guaranteeing an instant profit of ₹300. The initial profit hooks the victim, who then continues to invest larger sums. Ultimately, the scripted game results in substantial financial losses for the victims. This scam exploits the allure of easy money, leading many to lose their savings.
- Cyber Fraud via Honey Traps
Honey trapping is a tactic where fraudsters, posing as attractive individuals, engage victims in video calls on platforms like WhatsApp or Messenger. These calls are recorded without the victim’s knowledge. The fraudsters then threaten to circulate the recorded videos unless the victim pays a hefty amount. Adding to the deceit, they often use fake police profiles to contact the victim, claiming to facilitate the removal of the video in exchange for money. This scam leverages the victim’s fear of public embarrassment and damage to their reputation.
- Cyber Fraud Using Fake Customer Care Numbers
Fraudsters rank their fake customer care numbers on top of search engines through Google ads or SEO, masquerading as support for reputable e-commerce platforms. When victims call these numbers seeking help, the fraudsters request transaction OTPs or prompt the installation of remote access apps like AnyDesk. They then use these methods to gain unauthorized access to the victim’s bank accounts and steal money. This scam exploits users’ trust in supposedly reputable customer service contacts.
Strategies to Prevent Such Frauds
Although the increasing sophistication of cybercriminals poses a significant threat, individuals can safeguard themselves from these malicious schemes by implementing some effective preventive strategies. Here are some crucial measures for users to stay protected against cybercrimes.
- Awareness and Education: It is crucial to understand that police cannot conduct virtual arrests. Any such claims should be met with skepticism. Avoid engaging in video calls with strangers, and contact your local police station or cybercrime portal for guidance.
- Verification: If contacted about a family member’s alleged detention, insist on speaking directly with the family member. Ask for specific, confidential information to verify the caller’s authenticity. Always confirm the situation through direct communication with your loved ones before making any transactions.
- Resist Honey Traps: Stay calm if approached with honey trap tactics. Do not engage with blackmailers; seek help from the nearest police station or cybercrime experts.
- Avoid Quick Profit Schemes: Be wary of schemes promising quick profits. Legitimate organizations do not offer money for trivial online tasks like subscribing to channels or leaving reviews. Avoid investments that seem too good to be true.
- Use Verified Contact Information: Always use official websites to obtain customer care numbers. Reputable companies list their contact details on their official websites, ensuring you are reaching genuine support services.
By staying informed and cautious, rural users can protect themselves from falling prey to these sophisticated cybercrimes. Education and vigilance are key to combating the evolving tactics of cybercriminals.
