India’s Cyber Agency Lists Top Online Scams

On 27th October, 2024, the Indian Cybersecurity agency, CERT-In, issued an advisory detailing widespread online scams, urging vigilance against increasingly sophisticated fraud tactics.

The public advisory outlines a list of over a dozen scams targeting individuals’ finances and data, highlighting strategies used by fraudsters to create urgency and fear.
Among the highlighted scams, CERT-In describes “digital arrest” schemes, where scammers impersonate government agencies, pressuring victims to make payments under threats of legal action.
In “digital arrest” scenarios, fraudsters often contact victims via phone, email, or messaging apps, falsely claiming investigations into identity theft or money laundering activities.
CERT-In warns that legitimate agencies do not use platforms like WhatsApp or Skype for official communication and advises victims to verify claims by contacting relevant agencies directly.
To prevent hasty responses, the advisory encourages people to remain calm and avoid sharing sensitive information, especially under pressure or threat from unknown contacts.
Fraudsters also employ “phishing scams,” mimicking reputable organizations’ logos and branding to steal data through fake messages or emails, luring individuals to click malicious links.
CERT-In cautions against “lottery and prize scams,” where victims are deceived into paying a processing fee for fictitious winnings, preying on their hope and greed.
Scammers also employ “charity appeal scams,” using convincing profiles and stories to solicit donations for fictitious causes, often portraying urgent health or disaster relief efforts.