Hyderabad Police Issues Advisory on Cyber Fraud during Christmas, NY Celebrations
The Hyderabad cybercrime police urged the general public to remain extra vigilant, as cyber fraudsters often take advantage of festive cheer and increased online activity to cheat innocent citizens by adopting new and deceptive methods
Hyderabad: In view of the upcoming Christmas and New Year celebrations, the Hyderabad cybercrime police urged the general public to remain extra vigilant, as cyber fraudsters often take advantage of festive cheer and increased online activity to cheat innocent citizens by adopting new and deceptive methods.
The common ways the cyber fraudsters approach victims include sending messages to people claiming that they won a Christmas or New Year gift, foreign lottery, or cash back, asking for processing fees or personal details.
The fraudsters sell counterfeit passes for New Year parties, concerts, pubs, and resorts through fake websites and social media pages. They advertise attractive holiday packages, pilgrimage trips, cruise tours, and international travel deals at very low prices and disappear after receiving advance payments.
They dupe people with fake hotel websites and social media pages to collect advance booking amounts for New Year stays, especially in tourist destinations, and later become unreachable. The cyber crooks send messages seeking donations in the name of Christmas charity, orphanages, churches, or relief activities using fake accounts and UPI IDs.
They circulate fake links or WhatsApp messages for Christmas Mass entry passes, car parking permits, or special event registrations apart from seasonal job offers related to an event management, delivery, promotion work, or hotel services, asking for registration fees or document details.
The fraudsters send messages claiming pending refunds, New Year bonuses, or reward points requiring users to click links or share OTPs, besides sending fake messages, emails, and social media ads offering huge discounts on travel, gifts, hotels, party passes, or electronics.
Listing out safety and prevention tips, the police asked the people not to click on suspicious links or download unknown apps or APK files. Never share OTP, PIN, CVV, or bank details with anyone. Verify offers, party passes, and bookings only through official websites or trusted platforms.
Do not scan unknown QR codes or approve unknown UPI requests. Be cautious of unsolicited calls or messages promising prizes or urgent action. Enable two-factor authentication on all important accounts. Regularly update your mobile phone and applications. Discuss cyber safety with family members, especially senior citizens and youth.
The police asked the people to immediately report the fraud at www.cybercrime.gov.in or call the cyber crime helpline – 1930 without delay. Preserve evidence such as screenshots, transaction details, and phone numbers.
