Your Guide to Online Payment Scams & How to Avoid Them

1. Phishing Attacks

Phishing is an attempt to steal sensitive information, typically usernames, passwords, credit card numbers, bank account information, or other important data, to utilize or sell the stolen information.

2. Identity Theft

A crime in which an imposter obtains key pieces of personally identifiable information, such as PAN or Aadhaar, to impersonate someone else and make fraudulent transactions.

3. Fake delivery OTP scam

Scammers pose as legitimate courier companies or customs officials to trick people into believing they are receiving a parcel and ask to share an OTP received on a mobile device.

4. Fake QR codes

QR code scams are one of the latest methods fraudsters are using to steal money from people. Scammers position fake QR codes in places where QR codes were used legitimately.

5. UPI Fraud

UPI has made it easier than ever to make payments online. However, scammers manipulate unsuspecting victims into making unauthorized UPI transactions or tricking them into sharing UPI PINs.

How to Protect Yourself from Online Payment Scams?

Follow these simple dos and don'ts to protect your personal information against fraudulent crime.

Do's

1. Choose a strong password, and use a mixture of letters, cases, numbers and symbols. Try to alternate different passwords for different accounts. For e.g. Never use your date of birth or mobile no.

2. Regularly check your bank accounts; if you see any suspicious or unusual activity, report it immediately.

3. Protect your mobile phone and digital devices and ensure they are all up to date with the latest anti-virus software.

4. Make sure all financial organizations have your up-to-date contact details.

5. Ensure your postal address and other contact details are updated with your bank.

6. Report missing documents and passbooks immediately.

7. Report suspected fraud to your bank, police, and cybercrime portal immediately.

8. Share a minimal amount of information on social media sites.

9. Always seek independent advice before making a payment.

10. Be cautious of companies that only provide PO Box addresses and mobile contact numbers.

Don'ts

1. Never be embarrassed to hang up, say no, or ask someone to leave.

2. Never reveal personal or financial information on the phone, by text, or by email; no genuine organization will ask you to do this.

3. Ignore links in suspicious emails and text messages and delete and block the sender's details.

4. Never transfer money at the request of an unknown caller.

5. Never let someone access your computer or mobile devices in person or remotely.

6. Never store your passwords and PINs in an easily accessible place.

7. Do not have a password that can be easily guessed.

8. Do not respond to any unsolicited phone calls, text messages and emails.

9. Never reveal personal details on social media, such as phone numbers.

10. Never be shy from asking for identification.

Stay informed and stay protected!

To report a cybercrime incident, visit www.cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.