By Adv.Mukesh Kumar sah (9643655911)
(Supreme court of India)
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About Author:
Adv. Mukesh Kumar sah (9643655911) Advocate Mukesh Kumar Sah has been practicing and handling cases independently with a result-oriented approach, both professionally and ethically and has now acquired many years of professional experience in providing legal consultancy and advisory services.
In the Month of March to April, the Cyber fraud is happening with Indian citizen very rapidly, people are approached by the cyber-criminal thorough social media, internet, and whatsapp. They promise to high rate of Interest in online investing, clicking on unauthorized link, etc. Sometime this Cyber-criminal sent all the fabricated documents as Genuine to win your trust. They will persuade to start with small amount to check the authentication. Falling victim to cyber fraud can feel like a gut punch. Your personal information, money, or even your identity might be at risk, leaving you feeling helpless and violated. But fear not, there are ways to fight back and report these crimes
1 in 4 People in India will face cyber threats by March 2024
nearly one in four Indians faced hacking attacks in the first quarter of 2024, with 22.9% Encountering web-borne threats and 20.1% facing local threats. Kaspersky’s report highlights malware, especially file-less malware, as a major concern, alongside social engineering attacks like phishing. Kaspersky blocked over 12 million web threats and 16 million local incidents.
Odisha Crime Branch Issues Advisory on Rampant Online Investment Fraud
The Odisha CID issued an advisory warning against rising online investment frauds via WhatsApp and Telegram. In 2023, 22 cases involved 8.5 crores, while 2024 saw 25 cases with 17 crores lost. Fraudsters promise high returns, then siphon funds abroad. The public is urged to verify investments and report suspicious activities.
Cyberabad Cops Bust International Gang Using ‘Mule’ Bank Accounts for Cyber Crime Arrested Hyderabad police arrested five members of a gang supplying ‘mule’ bank accounts to cyber fraudsters, resulting in Rs 5 crores in fraud. The gang opened 82 accounts, lured by payments for each account, and sent credentials to Dubai. The public is warned against fraudulent online investments and sharing bank details.
ANOTHER FORM OF CYBER FRAUD (DIGITAL ARREST)
Online frauds and criminals typically call potential victims and tell them that they have sent or are the intended recipients of a parcel containing illegal goods, drugs, fake passports or any other contraband item.
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Digital arrest’
Online frauds and criminals typically call potential victims and tell them that they have sent or are the intended recipients of a parcel containing illegal goods, drugs, fake passports or any other contraband item. In some cases, the criminals contact relatives or friends of the target and tell them that the target has been found to be involved in a crime or an accident, and is in their custody.The criminals, who often use pictures or identities of police personnel to convey authenticity, usually demand money from the target for a ‘compromise’ and closure of the case. In certain cases, the victims are “digitally arrested”, and forced to stay visible over Skype or other video conferencing platforms to the criminals until their demands are met.The cybercriminals are also known to use studios that look like police stations or government offices, and to wear uniforms similar to those of law enforcement agencies.A large number of complaints have been made on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP) about intimidation, blackmail, extortion, and digital arrests by cybercriminals posing as police officers, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Narcotics Department, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), and Enforcement Directorate (ED), etc.
Read | Duped in ‘digital arrest scam’, how a Gurgaon woman got back Rs 7 lakh two months later
Victims around the country have reported having lost large sums of money to these criminals. It is also working to block SIM cards, mobile devices and “mule” accounts used by the cybercriminals Money mules or “smurfers” are “innocent victims who are duped by fraudsters into laundering stolen/ illegal money via their bank account(s)”, according to a security advisory posted by HDFC Bank on its website. “When such incidents are reported, the money mule becomes the target of police investigations, due to their involvement,” says the advisory.
The Home Ministry is working with other ministries and their agencies, RBI, and other organizations to combat these criminal activities. I4C has been providing inputs and technical support to police forces of states/ UTs to identify and investigate cases.
Here’s your guide to navigating the process reporting cyber fraud and taking ( Report within 3 to 4 hour after the incident is crucial )
Reaching Out for Help:
- National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: This online portal, accessible at https://cybercrime.gov.in, is your one-stop shop for reporting cybercrime across India. You can file complaints 24/7 and track their progress. Simply click “File a Complaint,” follow the steps, and provide details of the crime. A helpful helpline (1930) is also available for assistance.
- Local Police Station: Don’t underestimate the power of your local police. Head to your nearest station and file a formal complaint. They might have specialized cybercrime units equipped to handle your case.
- Online Reporting: Websites like cybercrime.gov.in offer online complaint options, making the process convenient and accessible.
Filing a Complaint on NCRP:
Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to report cyber fraud and bring the culprits to justice.
Step 1: Access the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
The first step in reporting cyber fraud is to visit the official National Cyber Crime Reporting portal at https://cybercrime.gov.in.
Step 2: File a Complaint
Once you are on the portal’s homepage, locate and click on the ‘File a complaint’ option.
Step 3: Accept Terms and Conditions
Before proceeding, read and accept the terms and conditions presented on the following page. It’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities in this process.
Step 4: Report Other Cybercrime
Click on the ‘Report other cybercrime’ button to initiate the process of filing your complaint.
Step 5: Citizen Login
Select the ‘citizen login’ option and provide the required details, including your name, email, phone number, and more.
Step 6: Enter OTP and Captcha
Enter the OTP (One-Time Password) sent to your registered phone number and fill in the captcha to verify your identity. Then, click on the submit button to proceed.
Step 7: Fill in the Complaint Form
You will be directed to a form divided into four sections: General Information, Victim Information, Cybercrime Information, and Preview. Provide all the relevant details in each section accurately. Take a moment to review the information you’ve filled in to ensure its correctness.
Step 8: Submit Your Complaint
After verifying the information, click on the ‘Submit’ button to officially register your complaint.
Step 9: Incident Details
You will be redirected to an incident details page. Here, provide specifics and supporting evidence of the cybercrime you’re reporting. Attach any relevant documents, such as screenshots or files. Once you’ve entered the details, click on ‘Save and Next.’
Step 10: Information about the Suspect
If you have any information about the alleged suspect, the next page will prompt you to provide those details. Fill in the information if available.
Step 11: Verify and Submit
Review all the information you’ve provided and verify its accuracy. Once you are satisfied, click on the ‘Submit’ button to complete the process.
Step 12: Confirmation
You will receive a confirmation message indicating that your complaint has been successfully registered. Additionally, you will receive an email containing your complaint ID and other relevant details related to your complaint.
Documents for Proof:
Having specific documents ready can expedite investigations:
- Proof of fraudulent transactions: Bank statements, receipts, online confirmations.
- Supporting evidence: Emails, messages, suspicious phone logs.
- Personal identification: Copies of ID, address proof. Always remember, you’re not alone. Reporting cyber fraud empowers you to seek justice and helps authorities track down these criminals. Don’t hesitate to take action and protect yourself and others from these digital threats.
- Stay vigilant: Be cautious of unexpected phone calls, emails, or online offers.
- Secure your accounts: Use strong passwords, enable two-factor authentication, and update software regularly.
- Report immediately: The sooner you report, the higher the chance of recovering your losses and catching the perpetrators.
Let’s work together to create a safer digital space for everyone. Report cyber fraud, stay informed, and fight back against these online criminals.(9643655911)