In reply to a constant rise in internet-based scams, local and federal law enforcement organisations have emphasised online investigation and obstacles.
Though many individuals are friendly with the idea of “hacking” from TV shows, web series and movies, the concept of computer or internet scams carries a lot more than that. Here is a Top 10 internet or online cyber scams in India commonly committed every year and the number of cases is getting increased day by day, the only way to escape from them is to know what are these scams and how do they operate.
Table of Contents
Fraud on OLX
Scams on OLX have become very common these times. Kejriwal’s daughter was also a sufferer of this type of scam. Here, fraudsters pose as legitimate sellers and receive money from the customer without giving the product.
In the past, many fraud sellers have acted as Indian Army personnel on OLX to receive buyers’ trust on the platform and then cheat them.
Phishing or email scams
Phishing is one of the most popular types of online cyber scams in India, where fraudsters take your private data by posing as a certified company or a genuine personality.
Most of these emails have links or attachments that lead you to fake websites where you are requested to register your UPI code or bank details. Remember, agreeing on such links can also lead to your systems being affected by malware or viruses.
Identity theft
In this kind of scam, a hacker steals your identification and poses as you propose banks and your family/friends to request loans and financial aid.
In case these loans are accepted, you will be responsible for the payment of those loans. These hackers also use platforms like Instagram and Facebook to reach your friends (posing as you).
Lottery fraud
Lottery cheat is among the top three scams in India. Here, fraudsters send people links and messages on WhatsApp saying you have got a lottery worth lakhs or crores. Once you pay, they delete his/her number and disappear. Beware! Scammers can use websites like these to steal your card details.
Work from home scam
It is a fraud where scammers encourage people with an online job opportunity to exchange for an extensive profit by working for a few hours. These job seekers are required to deposit money to get the job. After the cash is deposited, they disappear.
Online shopping fraud
In online shopping scams, fraudsters set up a fake shopping website and encourage people to purchase stuff at low prices. Once you pay them, the site either ships a fake product, or you might never get the product.
Tax fraud
This type of fraud rises broadly during the tax season in India. Here taxpayers are requested to respond to SMSs and WhatsApp messages sent by scammers. They ask these taxpayers to register their bank details to get a tax refund.
Cyberbullying
Cyberbullying happens when people use social media or the internet to threaten, harass, intimidate or disparage others. Several statutes cover cyberbullying. Some laws practice only for students, while others apply to everyone.
In common, if a person or student uses the internet or any other platform to harass, threaten, or scare another person, this behavior can lead to a crime.
Matrimonial frauds
Matrimonial apps and websites now have millions of subscribers practicing their services for a premium. Since the wedding market in India is constantly growing, fraudsters are frequently in the hunt for weaknesses in the system that they can utilize.
Credit card reward point fraud
There are millions of credit card users in India, and every user earns points on their credit cards when they go buying. Fraudsters use this system to their benefit. Certain bad actors encourage credit cardholder assistance in obtaining their reward points.