TGCSB warns of surge in online shopping scams, card frauds

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau has warned citizens about a rise in fake online shopping scams and credit and debit card frauds. Fraudsters are using attractive discount offers, phishing links and malicious APK files to steal money and sensitive banking credentials.

Hyderabad: The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has cautioned citizens against a rise in online shopping scams and credit and debit card frauds, reporting a sharp increase in complaints involving fake advertisements and unauthorised card transactions over the past month.

The bureau in the advisory also highlighted the latest tactics being used by cybercriminals to cheat online shoppers and bank customers.

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In the first scam, fraudsters post attractive advertisements on social media platforms, WhatsApp and fake websites, offering branded electronics, clothing, holiday packages and other services at heavily discounted prices.

“After collecting advance payments through UPI, digital wallets or bank transfers, they send fake order confirmations and delivery delay messages before blocking customers without supplying the promised goods or services,” officials said.

The second scam involves stealing credit and debit card details through phishing links and malicious Android APK applications disguised as bank reward offers, cashback schemes and credit limit enhancement programmes. Victims are tricked into sharing their card numbers, CVV, PINs and OTPs or unknowingly allow malware to intercept banking messages. “Fraudsters then use the stolen credentials to carry out unauthorised domestic and international transactions,” officials said.

TGCSB advised citizens to avoid purchases from unverified online sellers, verify websites and customer reviews, and stay away from unrealistic discount offers. It also warned against downloading APK files received through WhatsApp, SMS or unknown links and sharing confidential banking details with anyone.

The bureau advised cardholders to immediately block their cards and inform their banks upon noticing suspicious transactions or alerts.

Citizens who lost money in cyber frauds should immediately call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or register a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in.