Technology is advancing at a rapid pace around the globe, making it incredibly convenient to manage bank accounts. Nowadays, you can perform transactions through mobile banking right from your smartphone. However, this convenience comes with a downside, as the rise in cybercrime is raising alarms for everyone. Cybercriminals are continuously devising new tactics to siphon off money from banks, and online account fraud has become a common concern.
Hackers are persistently targeting our bank accounts. According to the Cyber Crime Coordination Center of India, over the past three years, cybercriminals have compromised bank accounts and stolen nearly 10,300 crores, highlighting the severity of the issue. While the cyber department is working hard to combat these thieves, they are still finding ways to steal money through various means. This includes sending fraudulent links to banking apps to smartphone users, hacking accounts, and tricking individuals into downloading malicious software via text messages under the guise of KYC updates.
If something seems off…
Cyber criminals have already created, downloaded, and hacked bank accounts impersonating banks like Canara Bank, ICICI Bank, and other major financial institutions in our country. This is why banks and cyber police have been advised to avoid downloading or installing any suspicious banking apps under any circumstances.
How do they deceive?
1. They design a banking app using the logo of your bank.
2. A fraudulent app named Customer Service Point is created, which tries to download harmful packages.
3. Fraud can occur through platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, Facebook, and other social media, where fake APK files are shared.
4. Once you install the app on your phone, it prompts you to update your Aadhaar KYC and PAN card details, allowing cyber criminals to access your account information easily.
5. Shortly after, they can transfer money from your bank account to theirs.
What to do if your account is empty?
1. If you notice any unauthorized transactions, report it immediately on the cyber portal or at your local cyber police station.
2. Victims of cyber fraud should call 1930 right away to file a complaint.
3. Dial *67 to protect your mobile number.
What precautions should you take?
1. Avoid downloading or installing any suspicious apps on your smartphone.
2. If you do download one, turn off your internet data immediately and uninstall the app. Make sure to clear its cache.
3. Check the download history in your mobile settings under application management/apps.
4. Delete any unfamiliar files right away and use the cleaning tool available on your device.
Special passwords
1. If you don’t want your bank account to be hacked, you need to set a strong password. Most people would be aware of this. This is because this strong password protects your bank account.
2. If you have multi-bank accounts, don’t use the same password for everything. Cyber officials warn that if you do so, you will be in danger.
3. Because if you find the details of a password. Makes it easier to access other accounts.
4. Keep updating your password every three months. Doing so will protect your account from hackers.
