Fraud Awareness and Prevention

Identifying a fraud or scam involves being vigilant and cautious about the red flags. Here are some common signs to watch out for:

1. Unknown Contact

   Be wary of unsolicited emails, calls, or messages offering prizes, money, or services. If something seems too good to be true, it probably isn’t.

   Example: A fake email claiming to be from your bank asks you to click a link and enter your account information.

2. Pressure Tactics

   Scammers often create a sense of urgency to pressurize you into making quick decisions.

   Threats: They may use threats or intimidation, such as claiming that your account will be locked if you don’t act immediately.

3. Requests for Personal Information

   Be cautious if you’re asked for sensitive information like Aadhar or Pan card numbers, bank details, or passwords, especially if the request is unexpected or unverified.

4. Unusual Payment Methods

   Scammers might ask for payments through unconventional methods, such as gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrencies.

5. Poor Grammar and Spelling

   Many scams are poorly written, with spelling and grammatical errors. Legitimate organizations usually have high standards for communication.

6. Fake Websites or Email Addresses

   Check for subtle differences in email addresses or website URLs that may indicate a fake or phishing site.

   HTTPS: Verify if the website uses HTTPS, though this alone isn’t a guarantee of legitimacy

7. Unverifiable Claims

   Scammers often avoid providing detailed information or verifiable contact details about their organization or offer.

8. Requests for Confidentiality

   Be suspicious if you’re asked to keep the offer or details confidential, as this could be a tactic to prevent you from seeking advice from others.

9. Too High of Returns

   Be cautious of investment opportunities that promise extremely high returns with little risk

10. Inconsistencies

    Look for inconsistencies in the information you receive, such as discrepancies between documents, messages, or websites

Anyone who has a mobile phone, computer or laptop could fall prey to a fraud. Here are the immediate steps you need to take when you are a victim of a fraud.

1. Stop responding

   Stop all contact with the scammer immediately—don’t respond to calls, emails, or messages. Use blocking features on social media and messaging apps to prevent further communication. Install antivirus software to detect and quarantine malware. Delete any unfamiliar apps and consider a factory reset as a last resort to remove all files and apps. Stay calm and think carefully about your next steps; act promptly to mitigate potential damage.

2. Notify your bank

   Call your bank and block your cards and accounts. Here is a list of some most popular banks and their customer care numbers for your ready reference. Contact any financial services or e-commerce businesses that have your credit card or bank account information, which is very sensitive information indeed. Find out which transactions you need to dispute with your bank and, in some cases, report for fraud.

   Below are the contact details for some of the popular banks in India.

   Sr. No.	Bank Name	Customer Care number	Email address	Website
   1.	State Bank of India	1800 425 3800 / 1800 11 2211	sbirect@sbic.co.in	www.sbi.co.in
   2.	HDFC Bank	1860 267 6161 / 1800 266 6161	care@hdfcbank.com	www.hdfcbank.com
   3.	ICICI Bank	1860 120 6666 / 1800 103 8181	customercare@icicibank.com	www.icicibank.com
   4.	Axis Bank	1860 419 5555 / 1800 419 5959	contactus@axisbank.com	www.axisbank.com
   5.	Punjab National Bank	1800 180 2222 / 1800 103 2222	customercare@pnb.co.in	www.pnbindia.in
   6.	Bank of Baroda	1800 102 4444 / 1800 22 33 44	customercare@bankofbaroda.com	www.bankofbaroda.in
   7.	Canara Bank	1800 425 0018 / 1800 425 0020	canarabank@canarabank.com	www.canarabank.com
   8.	Union Bank of India	1800 22 2244 / 1800 208 2244	ubn.customercare@unionbankofindia.com	www.unionbankofindia.co.in
   9.	Kotak Mahindr a Bank	1860 266 2666 / 1800 102 6022	info@kotak.com	www.kotak.com
   10.	IDFC FIRST Bank	1800 10 8888 / 1800 419 4332	contactus@idfcfirstbank.com	www.idfcfirstbank.com

3. Change your password

   Change your passwords for email, online banking, phone banking immediately. f your email account is compromised, let your contacts know not to click on any suspicious links sent from your account.

   Creating a strong password is essential to protect your sensitive information & avoid further loss.

   To create a strong password:

   1. Length: Use 12–16 characters

   2. Complexity: Include uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters (e.g., !, @, #, $).

   3. Avoid Common Words: Don’t use easily guessable terms like "password," "123456," or personal information.

   4. Use Passphrases: Form a memorable sentence and convert it to a password with numbers and symbols (e.g., “I love to travel in 2024!” becomes “Il2t!i2024!”).

   5. Unique Passwords: Apply different passwords for different accounts to enhance security.

4. Report to cyber cell

   If you fall victim to digital fraud in India, take these steps:

   I. Report to Authorities:

   • Cyber Crime Cell: Contact your local cybercrime unit. You can also call 1930 to connect to National Cyber Crime Helpline.
   • Police Station: File an FIR.
   • Consumer Forum: Report e-commerce scams to the National Consumer Helpline.
   • RBI: Inform your bank and the RBI for banking-related fraud.

   II. Prepare Information:

   • Details of the fraud (dates, methods).
   • Evidence (emails, screenshots).
   • Personal and bank details.
   • Previous complaint references, if any.

   III. File a Complaint Online:

   • Visit National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.
   • Provide details and evidence as required.
   • Receive an acknowledgment and reference number.

   IV. After Filing a Complaint

   1. Complaint Acknowledgment: You will receive an acknowledgment of your complaint with a reference number for tracking purposes.

   2. Investigation: The Cyber Crime Cell will review your complaint, which may involve contacting your bank or other relevant agencies for further investigation.

   3. Updates: You may receive updates via email or phone regarding the progress of your case.

Will You Get Your Money Back?

There is no guarantee that you will get your money back, as it largely depends on the nature of the fraud and the ability of authorities to trace and recover the funds. If you reported the fraud to your bank promptly, they may be able to assist in blocking the transaction or recovering lost funds, especially if the scam involves credit/debit cards or net banking.

Additional Tips

- Stay Vigilant: Keep a close eye on your bank statements and online accounts for any unauthorized transactions.

- Follow Up: Regularly check the status of your complaint and stay in touch with the authorities involved.