The Home Ministry announced today that they have taken action against over 100 websites operating overseas, which were found to be participating in organized illegal investments and part-time job scams.
According to an official spokesperson, these websites were identified and recommended for blocking by the Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (I4C), which was established by the Home Ministry to combat cybercrimes in a systematic and thorough manner through the National Cybercrime Threat Analytics Unit (NCTAU).
The spokesperson also emphasized that creating a "Cyber Safe India" is a top priority for Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
These fraudulent activities often involve targeted digital advertisements using popular keywords such as "ghar baithe job" (work from home jobs) and "ghar baithe kamai kaise karen" (how to earn while staying at home) in multiple languages.
The targets of these schemes are often retirees, women, and unemployed young people looking for part-time work. The scammers reach out to them via popular messaging platforms like WhatsApp or Telegram, convincing them to complete simple tasks such as liking and subscribing to videos or rating maps.
Initially, victims are promised a small commission for their efforts, but are then encouraged to invest more money for even higher returns. Unfortunately, once they deposit larger sums, their accounts are frozen and they end up being deceived, according to a spokesperson.
To combat the growing issue of cybercrime and protect citizens from these malicious actors, the Home Ministry is urging people to report any suspicious phone numbers or social media accounts used by fraudsters to the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP).
Thanks to the help of concerned citizens, the NCRP has already received numerous complaints through their helpline. These fraudulent activities not only pose a significant threat to individuals, but also raise concerns about the security of personal data.
The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) recently took action by invoking its power under the Information Technology Act, 2000 to block certain websites. These websites were found to be promoting illegal investments and part-time job scams, using various digital platforms such as advertisements, chat messengers, and rented accounts.
It was discovered that the profits from these deceitful activities were being funneled out of India through methods like card networks, crypto currency, overseas ATM withdrawals, and international Fintech companies.
In light of these developments, the authorities have issued a word of caution to the public. They urge individuals to exercise caution and conduct thorough research before investing in any online schemes that promise exorbitant returns.
In addition, the spokesperson advised people to be wary of unsolicited messages on messaging platforms like WhatsApp and Telegram, especially when it comes to financial transactions. It is important to verify the recipient's name on the UPI App, as receiving money from unknown sources could be a red flag for a potential scam involving a mule account. Furthermore, it is crucial to verify the source of any initial commission received. Stay vigilant, folks!
It's important to be cautious when dealing with unfamiliar accounts, as they could potentially be linked to illegal activities such as money laundering or even funding terrorist acts. The consequences could range from having your account blocked by the authorities to facing legal action. As such, it's advisable to stay vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to help maintain a secure digital space.