Increasing cyber frauds: Awareness must to remain safe
STATE TIMES NEWS
JAMMU: Along with other incidents of crimes, number of cyber crimes being reported at various Police Stations of Jammu & Kashmir are increasing with innocent people felling prey to the fraudsters, who misusing the information technology and other scientific advancements meant for welfare of people, cheat masses of their hard-earned money. Among numerous reasons behind rise in such incidents, lack of proper awareness and guidance is on top, as it has been observed that despite repeated advices and advisories issued by the Police and other authorities from time to time, people often fell prey to these frauds and suffer immense losses. As such, besides carrying out stern action against these anti-social elements, the need of the hour to impart awareness among masses so that they remain safe from such cyber fraudsters. While imparting awareness among people, Sandeep Chaudhary, SSP Cyber Crime (Investigation) J&K informed people about two major types of cyber frauds being reported these days. Elaborating further, he said, “These days cyber fraudsters, using pictures of known people, friends or seniors on Whatsapp or other social media accounts, often request for providing Amazon Gift cards etc, using some unknown number.” He advised people not to entertain any such request from unknown numbers or interact with them but block them at the very instance, besides informing nearby Police Station. Highlighting the other type of cyber fraud- Sextortion, which is becoming quite common these days, SSP Choudhary said that in this case, a victim receives a call on social media, generally from a female, who allures victim and takes his objectionable photographs or videos. “After that, the victim is asked to pay some amount to them failing which his videos or photographs will be sent to his friends and relatives. Sometimes, impersonating as police officials, the criminals also call victim and demand money threatening that legal action against him will be initiated in case money will not be paid,” he informed. The Police officer further told that it is not the limit as sometimes, the fraudsters, acting as officials from YouTube, demand money for not making the video viral. Urging masses not to fell prey to such fraudsters besides reporting the matter immediately to Cyber Helpline-1930, nearby Police Stations or Cyber Police Stations set-up in both the capital cities, he said that people should not forget that they are victims and not the criminals, and J&K Police is always there for their rescue besides taking stern action against fraudsters, who are misusing the information technology for cheating people, in one or another way, adding that proper awareness with necessary precautions are must to remain safe from fraudsters.