The rise of online scams necessitates continuous vigilance. Government agencies, including Cyber Dost, are actively informing the public about new and evolving cyber threats. Cyber Dost, under the Ministry of Home Affairs, works to alert people about emerging fraud schemes. The latest warning concerns the NRI Gift Scam.
Scammers impersonate NRIs, develop relationships with potential victims, and entice them with promises of gifts. They then fabricate issues related to customs, requesting money to release the gifts. Cyber Dost provides insights into the modus operandi of the scam and how individuals can protect themselves. Scammers use social media to initiate contact, lure victims with gifts, and subsequently request money citing customs charges.
To avoid being a victim, refrain from sending money for customs charges. Block and report any suspicious messages that demand payment. In case of a suspected or confirmed scam, immediately contact the cybercrime helpline at 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in.