Bhopal Cyber Crime Branch Issues Urgent Advisory on Online Fraud Targeting Government Personnel
The Cyber Crime Branch of the Bhopal Police Commissionerate has issued a critical advisory on Monday, alerting government employees and pensioners to a new and sophisticated wave of online fraud. According to official statements from police authorities, cyber criminals are actively targeting individuals through deceptive messages sent via WhatsApp, SMS, and email.
Deceptive Tactics Employed by Scammers
These fraudulent communications falsely promise access to an "8th Pay Commission Salary Calculator" or provide misleading details about revised salaries. The messages often contain malicious links or APK files that, if interacted with, can compromise personal security.
Police officials have emphasized that installing such APK files or clicking on unknown links can grant unauthorized access to victims' mobile devices and their linked bank accounts. This unauthorized access poses a significant risk of financial loss and data theft.
Essential Safety Guidelines to Prevent Fraud
To safeguard against these scams, the Bhopal Police has outlined key precautions:
- Never click on unknown links received through unsolicited messages.
- Avoid downloading or installing APK files from unverified or suspicious sources.
- Verify Pay Commission-related information exclusively on official government websites that end with the domain "gov.in".
This advisory underscores the importance of vigilance in the digital age, particularly for those in government service who may be more susceptible to such targeted attacks. The police urge all recipients to report any suspicious activity immediately to help combat cyber crime effectively.
