If anyone asks for confidential information such as Aadhaar card number, ATM PIN, OTP, ignore it to avoid getting cheated !

The Aadhaar card number or OTP (One Time Password) sent on mobile are being asked by fraudsters for registration of Coronavirus vaccination. This has increased the extent of cheating in society. Earlier too, evil tendencies in society have been swindling people due to emerging social problems, the vulnerability of people and their ignorance. For the following reasons, people have been and are being deceived by fraudsters who ask for Aadhaar card numbers, ATM PINs, OTPs or send links promising rewards.

1. You have been awarded some object on ‘Kaun Banega Crorepati’ programme.

2. You have won an ‘Online’ lottery.

3. You and your spouse or family members have been selected for a tour package.

4. You have received Plane tickets for foreign trips.

5. You have been selected as the lucky customer of a company.

6. The gifts sent to you need to be cleared from the Customs/Excise Department.

7. You have been selected for costly prizes such as four-wheelers, refrigerators, LED TVs.

8. You can shift your mobile SIM card to another Telecom company for free.

9. You have been sanctioned a loan minimum rate of interest.

10. Money has been credited to your bank account.

11. You should change the PIN number of your bank account.

In this way, taking advantage of the situation, people are being deceived with sweet talk. People are falling prey to fraudsters or the lure of rewards due to lack of alertness.

From time to time, the Government, Reserve Bank of India, etc. have been making it clear that they are not asking citizens for Aadhaar card number, ATM PIN, OTP over mobile phones. Remember, if anyone asks for confidential information (as mentioned above), or asks you to click on some link by sending it under the pretext of having won some award, it should be ignored. Also, do not allow yourself to be deceived financially by responding to such false and dubious messages !

When such type of frauds take place, there is no outcome even after it has been reported and investigated by the Police.

The rate of apprehending fraudsters and awarding punishment to them is negligible. Therefore, according to the dictum that ‘Prevention is better than cure’, you should be alert in time and avoid possible harm. Be careful and warn your family and friends too.