Cybercriminals are constantly cooking up new ways to steal your hard-earned money. This time, their target is your inbox! A Bengaluru tech entrepreneur recently shared her close call with a clever SMS scam, and her story serves as a valuable warning to us all.
How the Scam Works:
The scam hinges on creating confusion through a series of scammy SMS messages. Here’s the breakdown:
- The Fake Transfer: You receive a call from someone claiming they need to send money to a family member (often a parent) but are having issues with their bank account. They request your help in receiving the funds.
- The Phony Deposit Notification: Shortly after the call, you get an SMS that looks like a standard bank notification, indicating a deposit into your account. This bolsters the caller’s story.
- The “Accidental” Overpayment: The caller then contacts you again, claiming they accidentally sent a much larger amount than intended (e.g., sent ₹30,000 instead of ₹3,000). They pressure you to return the “excess” money.
Why It’s a Scam:
While the SMS notification might appear convincing, it’s actually fake. Scammers often use software to mimic legitimate bank messages. They rely on the urgency of the situation and the confusion they create to pressure you into sending money through a scammy UPI ID.
How to Protect Yourself:
- Don’t Trust Unknown Numbers: Be wary of calls or messages from unknown numbers, especially those requesting financial assistance.
- Verify Transactions Directly: Don’t rely on SMS notifications alone. Always log in to your bank account through a trusted channel (app or website) to verify transactions.
- Never Send Money to Strangers: It’s never okay to send money to someone you don’t know and trust, regardless of their story.
- Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect a scam, report it to your bank and the authorities.
Stay Alert, Stay Safe!
By being aware of this scam and following these tips, you can protect yourself from falling victim to similar tactics. Remember, if something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t let scammers steal your money!
Share this article with your friends and family to spread the word and keep everyone safe online.
Let’s be responsible digital citizens and work towards a more peaceful and secure future.
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