The government recently established the 155260 helpline to assist individuals in reporting such crimes simply in light of the rising incidences of cybercrime throughout the nation. But during the past two to three years, it has been noticed that people continue to fall for the same types of internet scams. Because there is a lack of understanding, con artists can continue to use the same methods to steal money online. Here are seven risky con games you should be aware of to protect your online financial information.

Update your KYC for your mobile number, bank account, Paytm, etc. 

The most prevalent online scam that many people have fallen for is this one. A caller posing as a customer care representative from your bank or a Paytm KYC executive would initiate this fraud. You can also receive a text message (SMS) warning you that if you don't update your KYC information, your bank account or mobile phone will stop working. The whole purpose is to persuade you to download remote access software, such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer, so they can monitor the passwords you type on your phone.

Fraud on Olx/Quikr: The con artist appears to be interested in purchasing used goods that you are offering for sale online.

When you place an advertisement on Quikr or Olx for the item (a bicycle, a guitar, furniture, etc.) you wish to sell, a potential buyer will phone you practically immediately at the cell number you just listed. On UPI, complete fraud takes place. After settling on the pricing, the caller will explain that he or she would use Google Pay, PhonePe, or another UPI service to send the entire amount or some booking money. Instead of transferring money, the fraudster will seek money from you using the UPI apps' "Request Money" option.

SIM CARD SCAM - An updated SIM card with your phone number will be provided.

The purpose of this scam is to deceive trusting smartphone users into parting with their money in a couple of minutes. SIM switch, also known as SIM card exchange, is the process of associating your phone number with a new SIM card. Your old SIM card will no longer function after this is completed, and your phone number will stop operating. Now that they have your phone number, the scammers will receive OTPs on their SIM cards. After receiving OTPs, they can use this to start a bank transfer and even choose to shop online.

Asking for a refund for an online purchase could result in fraud.

In this scheme, con artists pretend to be phoning from a well-known e-commerce site (like Amazon or Flipkart) and offer refunds on any recently completed online sale. By offering a refund, they try to entice the online customer, and then they steal their bank or credit/debit card information.

Cashback scams: You can receive WhatsApp messages offering cashback on online purchases.

These typically provide cashbacks on online purchases and are sent over WhatsApp or SMS. These communications are typically phishing scams designed to trick recipients into disclosing their online banking credentials. Fraudsters transmit a fraudulent link via SMS or emails that request the victim to reveal their private information, including their debit card number, CVV, ATM PIN, UPI PIN, and grid card details.

Vishing: Fraudsters pose as customer care representatives

In this scam, a con artist may call you and demand to deliver transaction banking information, such as OTPs or user IDs, to your registered mobile number. Activation SMS is then forwarded to your phone by the fraudster, who will subsequently use it to access your bank account.

Scams involving USB charging ports: Criminals use integrated chips to implant malware and spyware at public charging stations in airports and train stations

How to avoid getting scammed?

1. Verify details of buyer/seller before proceeding to payment.

2. Any individual showing urgency or not waiting for a reasonable amount of time is likely to be a scammer.

3. You should never scan a QR code, share an OTP, or visit a link given by anyone on the internet.

4. Your One Time Password (OTP), UPI pin, and other secret information should not be shared on WhatsApp. Never provide banking information if anyone asks you to and always contact your bank. There is a possibility of fraud here.

5. It is recommended that digital escrow platforms be used for payment. When making an online payment with Escrow, you do not share your financial information with anyone. There is a platform for escrow called Vouch.

Digital Escrow Service In India.

Digital escrow services are offered by many companies in India. Among the most trusted is Vouch. 

Vouch’s Digital Escrow service is a transparent way for buyers and sellers to build trust and secure a clean transfer of product and payment. Sellers can feel assured that they will be fairly compensated promptly, and buyers will feel confident that their order will be delivered as expected and on schedule. Vouch Digital Escrow keeps you updated and informed at every step of the transaction process till the end. Vouch’s professionals are always available to assist you with all queries that you may have during the entire transaction process. 

There is no scope for deceit or fraud since the payments, shipping, delivery, and execution are carried out under the honest and watchful eyes of the Vouch’s professionals. With Vouch, any business transaction becomes transparent, uncomplicated, and hassle-free.

Check back here to learn more about Escrow and how to protect yourself from fraud.

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Safety is not just about protecting your credit, debit card number, and UPI accounts. It's about having control of your money till you've received the product or service you bought online!

As you're now aware of the importance of online safety, let's get your transactions secure on Vouch. It's just a click away.