Local Cyber Crime Unit emphasises significance of Increased Security
Awareness Amongst Affluent Population Enjoying Retired life
By AKSHAYA PUROHIT
DEHRADUN, 13 July: known for its large population of retirees and parents whose children reside across the globe, has become a hotbed for digital fraud targeting this financially affluent group. While their physical security is well taken care of, thanks to security cameras and domestic help, their lack of security awareness leaves them susceptible to cybercrime.
If a survey is conducted, I am sure it will reveal an alarming rise in digital fraud cases impacting this vulnerable population. The modus operandi typically follows a pattern, luring unsuspecting individuals into divulging personal identifiable information (PII) that leads to compromised security and subsequent financial losses.
The fraudulent scheme usually begins with a phone call, wherein scammers impersonate utility company representatives or local bank managers. They cunningly inform their targets about unpaid bills, threatening power cutoffs or requesting immediate updates to their accounts. In these interactions, the fraudsters skillfully manipulate their victims, coaxing them into sharing sensitive information such as Aadhaar cards or coercing them to click on SMS messages sent after the call ends.
Once the unsuspecting victim falls into the trap and clicks on the fraudulent link, their digital security is compromised, leading to the second phase of the scam. Hackers exploit this vulnerability to extract funds from their bank accounts and gain access to their credit card details, inflicting significant financial damage.
If you suspect that you have fallen victim to this form of social engineering fraud, it is crucial to report the incident promptly to the local Cyber Crime Unit in person. Unfortunately, accessibility to such information is limited, and individuals have faced challenges when seeking assistance after becoming victims of these crimes.
To safeguard against such fraudulent activities, it is advisable to exercise caution and be security-conscious. Never click on SMS links sent by unknown numbers or individuals claiming to represent utility companies or banks. Avoid entertaining calls from unfamiliar individuals impersonating bank or utility company personnel, such as cable or electricity providers. These fraudsters often persistently call at odd hours, so consider enabling options on your phone to accept calls solely from known contacts.
If you receive a call from someone claiming to be a doctor or a bank manager, hang up and call the official number provided on the bank’s or hospital’s website to verify the authenticity of the call.
To ensure the safety of this vulnerable population, the Dehradun Cyber Crime Department needs to prioritize security awareness initiatives. Providing training programs, distributing pamphlets, advertisements, and presenting various scenarios that highlight potential risks are essential steps in spreading awareness among retirees and parents in Dehradun.
It is imperative that authorities recognize the need to actively protect this susceptible group by increasing communication and promoting security awareness initiatives. By doing so, we can mitigate the risks associated with digital fraud and provide a safer environment for Dehradun’s retirees and parents in their golden years.
