Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 17 Oct: With the onset of the festive season, cybercriminals have once again become active, taking advantage of people’s enthusiasm for online shopping and discounts. Authorities have reported a surge in digital scams as fraudsters lure unsuspecting users with fake offers, vouchers, and links designed to steal personal information.
ASP, Cyber Crime, Kush Mishra stated today that every year during the festive period, there is a noticeable rise in gift-related cyber frauds. Scammers often circulate fake Diwali greetings, discount vouchers, or images embedded with malicious APK files capable of compromising mobile devices.
As part of the Cyber Security Month initiative, Mishra urged the public to remain cautious and aware of online threats. He highlighted the importance of protecting personal data, stating that once such information is leaked, the chances of cyber fraud increase significantly. Citizens can check if their data has been breached by searching “have i been pwned” on Google, he advised.
Mishra further cautioned against clicking on unknown links or falling prey to investment scams being spread through WhatsApp and Telegram groups. He explained that the use of APN servers and Tor search engines by cybercriminals makes tracing them more challenging, which is why alertness and prevention remain the strongest safeguards.
To promote awareness, Mishra encouraged the public to join the Cyber Crime Cell’s WhatsApp broadcast community (9411112759), where regular updates on the latest fraud techniques are shared. He also warned people to avoid schemes that promise “double” or “triple” discounts, stressing that such offers are often fraudulent traps.
Additionally, Mishra introduced a simple safety formula, PAPA, to help citizens protect themselves online:
P – Personal Information: Never share it with anyone.
A – Avoid clicking on suspicious links.
P – Password: Change it regularly.
A – Avatar: Use a profile image instead of a personal photo.
He appealed to the public to report any suspicious online activity immediately by calling the 1930 cyber helpline number.
