Tag: scam alert

Scam Alert: Fraudulent SMS Messages Targeting India Post Customers

A fraudulent SMS message is currently circulating, falsely claiming to be from India Post. The message urges recipients to update their address details. However, the PIB Fact Check has confirmed that these messages are entirely fake and should be disregarded.

PIB Fact Check Update

In a recent post on X (formerly known as Twitter), PIB Fact Check confirmed that the messages are fraudulent and has warned users to remain vigilant.

Warning from India Post

A warning shared on X states:

“Scam Alert! Fraudsters are targeting India Post customers, claiming delivery issues. Don’t share any personal details over any link. Stay vigilant and report suspicious calls, messages, or emails immediately at the Chakshu Portal.”

The Fraudulent Message

The scam message reads:

Dear India Post Customer,
We attempted to deliver your package but were unsuccessful.
For further assistance, please contact our customer service at 1800 266 6868 or update your delivery information via this link: https://bit.ly/4aVxIOs. Once you update your delivery information, we will attempt redelivery within 24 hours. Thank you for choosing India Post.
Email: Info@indiapost.gov.in
Phone: +91 1234567890
Fac: +91 11 4160565

Tips to Stay Safe from SMS Fraud

To help protect yourself from SMS fraud, follow these essential tips:

  1. Be wary of unexpected messages: Be cautious of any SMS messages you receive from unknown or unexpected numbers, especially if they ask for personal information or request you to click on a link.
  2. Verify the sender: Before responding to any message, verify the sender’s identity. Look for typos, grammatical errors, or unusual language that may indicate a scam.
  3. Avoid clicking links: Never click on links or attachments in SMS messages from unknown senders. These links can lead to malicious websites designed to steal your personal information.
  4. Do not share personal information: Never share your personal information, including your bank details, credit card numbers, or passwords, over SMS. Legitimate companies will never ask for this information via SMS.
  5. Report suspicious messages: If you receive a suspicious SMS message, report it to your mobile service provider and the relevant authorities.
  6. Use strong passwords: Create strong, unique passwords for all your online accounts and avoid using the same password for multiple accounts.
  7. Enable two-factor authentication: Enable two-factor authentication on your online accounts whenever possible to add an extra layer of security.

Stay informed and protect your information to avoid falling victim to these scams.

Four Arrested for Kidnapping Chartered Accountant in Multi-Crore Scam Recovery Attempt

Four victims of multi-crore scam abduct CA to recover lost money: Police arrest four individuals who kidnapped a chartered accountant in an attempt to recover money lost in a Ponzi scheme. The accountant had convinced acquaintances and relatives to invest in the fraudulent company. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of ₹5 crore ($710,000). Two of the accused were found with the victim after a five-day search, while the other two were apprehended separately. The four are now in police custody.

Strap: A police team arrests quartet after five days of search and rescues CA, who was attached to the fraud company

It was like a copy of the script from a highly rated crime show on television. From staking out their target’s house for days to keeping tabs on his daily schedule for a month, they did pull off an abduction and left no trail for police to swoop down on them.

However, the long arm of the law eventually caught up with them.

Last Wednesday, four white-collar job holders, who, in their last-ditch effort to recover the hard-earned money they had lost in a Ponzi scheme two years ago, kidnapped the only person they got their hands on – the charted accountant (CA), outside his office in Chandivali.

According to the police, Bhushan Arora was associated with the firm, the alleged perpetrator of the fraud. The quartet made three ransom calls to his wife Megha and demanded ₹5 crore in ransom.

“During investigation, we got to know that Arora had convinced many of his acquaintances and relatives into investing in Divine Power Group. All of them faced big losses in the stock market due to this. Even the person who made the ransom calls had told the family that he and his accomplices had lost money because of Arora,” said Datta Nalawade, deputy commissioner of police, zone 10.