Cyber fraud rising through fake customer care numbers; public urged to stay alert

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Home Department has urged the public to remain alert as cyber frauds involving fake customer care numbers found through internet searches are on the rise. Fraudsters are posting fake numbers online in the name of banks, e-commerce platforms and other institutions to trap customers.

When customers call these numbers seeking assistance, the calls may not connect directly. The fraudsters then call back, posing as customer support agents. They claim to help resolve the complaint and ask the customers to install remote access or screen-sharing apps on their phones. They may then ask them to pay a small amount, such as Rs 5, in the name of a registration or verification fee. The Home Department warned that fraudsters use this process to steal banking and personal details and carry out large-scale financial fraud.

Customers should not blindly trust customer care numbers found through Google searches. Official websites or apps of the concerned institutions should be used for any service-related assistance. Remote access apps should never be installed on the phone at the request of strangers, and no registration fee should be paid under such circumstances.

People should also never share OTPs, PINs, passwords or card details with anyone. If anything seems suspicious during a phone conversation, the call should be ended immediately. Customers should then contact the institution through its official channels or visit the nearest branch directly, the police advised. Anyone who falls victim to cyber financial fraud should immediately report it to the cyber helpline at 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.