Do not post personal information more than necessary on social media : Delhi Police

Delhi reports rise of 53.8 % in fraud cases

(Credits:MSN India)

New Delhi – There is a rise of 53.8% in fraud cases by giving fake self-introductions on social media. Police, therefore, feel that it is dangerous to post personal information on social media. There were 1,717 complaints of opening accounts with fake names, till last August, while there were 1,976 complaints of hacking of accounts. Now, the number has gone up to 2,721 and 2,959 respectively till this August. The information has been published by one English newspaper based on the date compiled by Delhi Police.

Showing as foreigners and offering baits !

As per the Police data, in some cases, the accused prepared their profiles showing them as foreigners and drew the victim into their net by promising them either to marry or send gifts from abroad. The number of women getting cheated was higher in such cases.

Posing as an officer of security agencies !

Some of them posed as officers of security agencies to cheat people. They threatened to take legal action and drew them into their net. They were duped by promising good money for creating fake websites. After receiving the money, such websites were deleted.

Availing ‘instant loans’ by wrongly accessing personal data !

Instant loans were availed in the names of people by ‘data-breach’ from social media.

Posing as relatives staying abroad to cheat !

In some cases, by calling on the phone and posing as a relative staying abroad, money was demanded. The victims were asked small amounts to avoid doubts.

Companies also duped !

Companies were cheated by giving fake introductions. Police said that officers in such companies were sent ‘phishing’ emails, posing as a partner or a senior officer, and money was demanded. Companies too believed such emails and deposited money in the concerned accounts.

Follow this to avoid getting duped !

Delhi Police advised to confirm the identity of the individual to whom money would be transferred. Do not share personal information with anyone. Lock your friend list on social media. Keep changing your password occasionally and turn on two-step verification to prevent cyber-attacks.