These days, cybercriminals have developed new methods for stealing money. They no longer require an ATM PIN or an OTP (One Time Password). They just pretend to be the bank and send texts. It has phony connections. Money is taken out of a person's account the moment they click on the link. OTP is not required in this case.
 
These con artists frequently gather personal information from websites where users have submitted their phone numbers.  Following that, they send alerts about recent purchases.  The moment someone clicks on that link, his money is taken.

A 26-year-old woman from New delhi recently purchased an hp laptop from Croma, according to an NDTV article.  She was notified by an unidentified number a few days later that she had won a gift card.  The message instructed her to reveal her personal information, including her bank account details, on a website in order to receive the voucher.
 
But this message made the woman suspicious.  because the mail contained an error.  The message stated that the shopping voucher was won from Vijay Sales and named both Croma and Vijay Sales.  She was warned by this error and escaped a possible swindle.
 
How can one avoid falling victim to such scams?
 
Watch out for unwanted messages and calls.
 
Never divulge private information to strangers.
 
Even if a suspicious link offers a coupon, a discount, or cash awards, do not click on it.
 
Avoid installing apps from unreliable sources since this may allow scammers to access the camera and photo gallery on your device. KYC verification is a common use for these.
 
Verify the caller's identity via official means if you receive an odd call.
 
Let us inform you that scammers are now employing sophisticated techniques such as call merging, call forwarding, voice mail scams, QR code fraud, and screen sharing in addition to phishing URLs.

How does the scam of call merging operate?
 
In this fraud, con artists phone someone, like a member of the media, pose as a friend, and ask him to cover an event.  Meanwhile, the victim gets a second call from an unidentified number.  The scammer encourages the victim to combine the two calls, claiming the second call is from a VIP number.
 
After the calls are combined, the scammer coolly records the OTP that was supplied by banks or applications (like facebook and WhatsApp).  After that, they either steal money or hack accounts.

APK and RAT malware scams
These days, sophisticated Android application package (APK) files and remote access Trojans (RATs) are also being used by cybercriminals to trick consumers.  A top official claims that RATs and APKs provide hackers the ability to take over a user's device remotely without the user's knowledge.
 
 In one instance, the DSP of the Hassan subdivision was tricked out of Rs 15.98 lakh on May 21.  He installed a National bank app.  He received a text message with the app link.  An APK or RAT file was included in the URL.  Hackers gained access to his device with the aid of this file.
 
 
 
 
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SIBY JEYYA

06/03/2025 09:40 AM