Hyderabad: Cyberabad Police here issued a notice on Wednesday asking citizens not to fall into the trap of links asking them to reveal their Know Your Customer (KYC) data through suspicious NGROK and Bitly links. Such links are used by fraudsters to redirect unsuspecting citizens to fake web pages (similar to SBI net banking) which are used to collect sensitive banking information.
“When the user enters bank credentials like username, password and OTP, the scammer collects the details. By using fraudsters ‘login credentials on users’ accounts and transferring funds to their accounts, ”said a memo from Cyberabad Police Commissioner Stephen Ravindra. He added that so far 140 cases (this year) of online fraud have been reported under Cyberabad police limits.
According to police, fraudsters are contacting SBI account and credit card holders via text messages and bulk calls, and “warning” them to update their KYC information. Once an unsuspecting user falls into the trap, they are asked to update their KYC by downloading remote access apps like Any Desk app, Quick Support app, Team app Viewer, etc.
“When the customer downloads the app, he asks the customer to transfer a nominal amount like a rupee, Rs 10 or Rs 100 for verification. When the customer transfers the money by entering his bank details, his accounts are hacked and money is debited from the fraudster’s accounts during various transactions, ”specifies the police notice.
In view of these online frauds, citizens have been urged to never believe messages or calls asking for KYC information to be updated, as banking authorities never send such messages or call people. Users should also never reveal their bank account details to anyone, especially their secret PIN (personal identification number) or one-time password (OTP).
It should be noted that no authority or employee of the Bank will ever ask customers for a PIN / OTP code. Cyberabad Police also urged citizens never to download mobile apps suggested by unknown callers / unknown sources as online fraud disguised as bank agents hacking online accounts through these apps.
