Use UPI carefully; prevent online phishing, Internet fraud

Digital transactions have increased in the COVID19 era, but in the meantime fraudsters have also become active. Thugs are targeting people while doing digital transactions. Unified Payment Interface (UPI), the biggest fraud is exposed in transactions. Through UPI payment you can do cashless, real-time transactions. Many banks periodically issue advisories on their social media platforms warning customers that they should avoid such thugs. Know about phishing and types of phishing and what you should do to prevent online fraud.

 

Spear Phishing: Phishing is forgeries send unauthorized payment links via SMS or spear phishing email. Actually, online phishing sites URL will look like the real URL to you. If you click on that link in haste without thinking, it will ask you to go to the UPI payment app installed on your phone and ask you to select any app for auto-debit. With your permission, the amount will be debited from the UPI app immediately.

 

Remote Screening Mirror Tool: Given the risk of the corona, most companies are getting their employees home to work forms. So many people are downloading a remote screen mirroring tool that can connect your phone or laptop via WiFi for a larger display like a smartphone. You have to keep in mind that you should be cautious while downloading anything from Google Play or Apple App Store as all the digital payment apps present are not authentic.

 

OTP, UPI to Fraud: When you transact through your chosen UPI app, you will have to enter either a one-time password (OTP) or UPI PIN. For OTP authentication, your bank sends an OTP via SMS to the registered mobile number. Your transaction is done after OTP is verified. Online fraudsters call you on any pretext and ask for OTP in talk and money is debited from your account.

 

UPI handles: Counterfeiters make bank calls as representatives. Just the UPI social media page (Twitter, Facebook, etc.) has the same name word as NPCI, BHIM or any bank or government organization does not make it authentic. Always remember that government agencies, banks and other financial institutions never ask for financial information through SMS. The phishing solutions are that you should only download apps that are authentic and verified by the Google Play Store or Apple Store.

 

RBI issues warnings from time to time to internet fraud prevention. The top bank says, do not give personal details to anyone over phone call/email/SMS/web-link. If in doubt, check the customer support number on the official website of your bank.