Ignore unknown phone calls, be cyber safe, says RBI ombudsman

There is a need for awareness among bank customers to prevent cybercrime and digital arrests. They should avoid answering phone calls from unknown numbers and promptly report such calls to their respective banks.

Watch out for these tricks

• TRAI phone scam Fraudsters claim to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India and tell the customer that his/her mobile number is linked to illegal activities, and hence the service to the number will be suspended.
• Parcel stuck at customs: Scammers claim a parcel with contraband has been intercepted and demand payment.
• Digital arrest: Fake police officers threaten digital arrest or online interrogation
• Family member arrested: Scammers claim a relative will be arrested and demand payment.
• Easy tasks for big rewards: Scammers offer high sums for simple tasks, then ask for investment.
• KYC expired: Scammers ask for KYC updates via links.

This was stated by RBI ombudsman Rajeev Dwivedi, Chief General Manager, Reserve Bank of India (Chandigarh), at a financial awareness programme organised by his office in collaboration with the Chandigarh Press Club. The main objective of the event was to enhance participants’ knowledge of the Reserve Bank Ombudsman scheme and to make them vigilant against fraud in digital transactions.

Dwivedi mentioned that a significant number of victims of this fraud were affluent individuals, including doctors and advocates.

The participants were made aware of dos and don’ts of safe digital banking. They were also requested not to carry out financial transactions under the influence of any greed or fear. The participants were also cautioned to not share one-time passwords (OTPs), account/card details, PIN, internet banking passwords, etc. The Ombudsman urged participants to use only the official apps, websites and call centre numbers of the service providers.