Amid Sankranti celebrations, the Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) issued a public advisory warning citizens against common tactics deployed by cybercriminals to target unsuspecting victims.
The department cautioned citizens against fake online shopping offers and festival discounts, where fraudsters create counterfeit websites promising hefty discounts on products.
Scammers may also trick citizens into purchasing fake gift cards or making payments through fraudulent apps or QR codes, the department said in its advisory.
Social media and messaging platforms have also become fertile grounds for cyber scams. Fraudulent forwards and suspicious links spread through these channels have been tricking users into sharing sensitive personal and banking information. Citizens are reminded not to disclose such details to untrusted sources under any circumstances.
The bureau advised citizens to only book festival-related services such as travel tickets and gifts exclusively through official and trusted platforms.
Downloaded images or festival-related content from unverified sources should be avoided, as they could carry malware or viruses that can compromise device security. Additionally, keeping antivirus software and security settings on devices up to date has been emphasised.
Victims can contact the toll-free cybercrime helpline at 1930 or report incidents online at cybercrime.gov.in. Prompt action can help mitigate potential losses and assist in tracking down cyber offenders.
Published – January 15, 2025 07:15 am IST
