Online frauds on rise; police urge public to stay vigilant

SRINAGAR, JULY 22: In a concerning trend, instances of online fraud have surged in recent months, prompting law enforcement agencies to issue frequent advisories urging the public to exercise heightened caution.
However despite ongoing efforts to thwart these scams, fraudsters continue to devise new methods to deceive unsuspecting victims. Authorities are working tirelessly to combat this escalating threat. “We are witnessing a significant increase in online fraud cases,” a top cyber police official told KNS. He said that scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, employing various tactics to trick individuals into divulging personal information or transferring money.
He said that to address this growing issue, the police are disseminating daily advisories through social media, community outreach programs, and public service announcements. “These advisories provide crucial information on how to recognize and avoid potential scams, emphasizing the importance of verifying the authenticity of unsolicited messages and offers” the official informed.
Despite these efforts, many individuals have fallen prey to these fraudulent schemes.
“I received an email that appeared to be from my bank, asking me to update my account information,” said Waseem Ahmad, a resident of Srinagar. “It looked so real that I didn’t think twice. I was about to be scammed, but thanks to my friend who somehow recognized that it was a fraud.”
A similar experience was shared by Aliya, a government teacher. “I was contacted by someone claiming to be from a government agency, demanding immediate payment for unpaid taxes. I panicked and was about to pay, but my husband recognized it as a scam.”
Meanwhile law enforcement agencies are ramping up their efforts to catch these scammers. “Our cybercrime units are working around the clock to trace and apprehend these scammers,” said one of the police officers.
The police are also encouraging victims and the general public to report any suspicious activity immediately. “Timely reporting can make a significant difference,” noted the officer. “If you receive an unusual message or encounter a suspicious website, report it to the cyber police right away. Early intervention can help prevent further victims.”
Cyber security experts echo the police’s advice, stressing the importance of awareness and caution. “People must be vigilant about their online activities,” said one of the cybersecurity analysts. “Never share personal or financial information unless you’re absolutely sure of the recipient’s identity. Always double-check URLs and email addresses for any discrepancies,” he added. (KNS)