Most of these cases pertain to victims falling prey to cyberbullying related to instant loan apps
Every day because of online financial fraud (cyberfraud), citizens in the state of Gujarat collectively lose Rs 1 crore to Rs 1.2 crore, according to the cybercell of Gujarat CID crime. Most of these cases pertain to victims falling prey to cyberbullying related to instant loan apps.
Four major cities in the state, including Ahmedabad, have made major complaints. This startling fact was revealed at the ‘Hacked’ session held at Surya Emerald residential society on Iscon-Ambli Road by officials of the cybercell of the Gujarat CID crime unit. To make societies more aware of cybercrime and its prevention, the session was organised by The Times of India and Gujarat CID (crime). The cops revealed that, every day, they receive about 1,200 calls on the cybercrime helpline number 1930. Around 250 of these calls are related to financial fraud.
Among the officials present were PI Cyber Forensics and Prevention, Manish Bhankharia, PI Cybercell, Gujarat CID (crime), Hemant Pandya, and PSI Dhaval Shukal.
“The online gaming sites, to which most teenagers are hooked, are becoming major phishing points for cybercriminals. We get complaints about anti-social elements reaching out to youngsters through texts and video chats. On these gaming sites, one can share documents as well,” says Bhankharia, warning parents to be on the lookout for such online interactions. Regarding instant loan apps, Bhankharia said, “Many middle-class women are falling prey to instant loan apps, which hijack your contact list, SMSes, and photo galleries. Photos are morphed using pornographic material, and women are mostly at the receiving end of such scams.” The session also saw two winners for Best Questions Asked—Ramesh Shah and Sandeep Kansara—bbeing rewarded.
Malay Parikh, a resident of Surya Emerald, said, “Mobile apps know our passwords, our banking transactions, and our interactions. While we use technology, we should be aware of its vulnerabilities and loopholes. I attended the session to learn how cybercrooks are innovating to fool more people.”
PSI Shukal said they were receiving an increasing number of complaints pertaining to online job scams. Victims are offered quick money for simple work-from-home tasks such as packing pencils. “Those who sign up in the hope of earning extra income are losing their hard-earned savings to these scams,” he said.
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