
Kerala Police have issued an advisory warning the public about a surge in cyber fraud involving fake customer care numbers. Criminals post these numbers online, when dialled, they do not connect directly but prompt the fraudsters to call back posing as agents.
The police said victims have lost money and personal data after being tricked into installing remote access or screen-sharing apps and paying fraudulent registration fees. They urged the public to use only official websites or apps and never install remote access apps on the advice of strangers.
The cyber helpline number 1930 has been shared for reporting such incidents.
The advisory exposes a specific, repeatable fraud pattern: fake numbers lead to social engineering that hands attackers device control. With no arrest figures or case details, the police response remains reactive, leaving the public as the primary line of defence. The effectiveness now hinges on whether awareness of helpline 1930 translates into fewer successful attacks.
Source: thehindu.com
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