Over the recent weeks, the National Cybercrime Threat Analysis Unit (NCTAU) identified a hundred websites engaged in fraudulent activities, specifically luring individuals with deceptive promises of task-based part-time jobs. Consequently, the Indian government took decisive action by blocking more than a hundred websites implicated in these illicit schemes.
The crackdown targeted not only platforms involved in part-time job scams but also those facilitating investment frauds. Key contributors to this effort included the Ministry of Home Affairs, which oversees the National Cybercrime Threat Analysis Unit, and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), as recommended by the former.
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Online Job Seekers on Alert!
The government helpline “1930” and the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) received numerous complaints highlighting the substantial threat posed to citizens by a multitude of fraudulent websites.
The proliferation of such websites not only raised concerns about data security but also prompted the government to take serious action. Among the reported scams were those utilizing digital advertisements such as "Ghar Baithe Job" and "Ghar Baithe Kamai Kese Karein," which were presented in various languages to target a wide audience.
These deceptive advertisements aimed to trap potential job seekers by guiding them into WhatsApp or Telegram conversations. In these interactions, victims were persuaded to undertake tasks such as liking videos, subscribing to services, or providing ratings. Upon completing these tasks, victims were promised commissions and encouraged to invest more in the future. However, once a substantial sum was deposited, the perpetrators froze the deposits, ultimately leading to financial exploitation and deception of the trusting individuals.
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The Internet is indeed a wide space and a solution for most of your problems. But it is much needed to not get trapped and fall victim to such offers. Citizens are advised to refrain from doing such transactions as they get involved in the evils like money laundering and terror financing which leads to blockage of accounts by police and other such legal authorities.
As per Forbes India, Our country has recorded over 13.9 lakh cybersecurity incidents in the year 2022. This number can be small, as few Indians report crimes due to various personal reasons like humiliation.
Ritesh Bhatia, a Cyber Crime Investigator spoke about one such job scam through which victims lost lakhs before realising the trap.
Government’s Actions and Helplines
What is the ‘1930’ Helpline?
In an era increasingly dominated by digital advancements, the prevalence of cybercrimes poses a significant and widespread threat, impacting both individuals and organizations. Recognizing the urgency of addressing this growing concern, governments and law enforcement agencies worldwide have instituted dedicated helplines to combat cybercrimes effectively. In India, the '1930' cybercrime helpline emerged as a pivotal initiative, aiming to provide crucial support, guidance, and immediate intervention for those affected by online threats.
Managed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, the '1930' cybercrime helpline plays a vital role in empowering victims to report cybercrimes and seek assistance. Serving as a centralized communication hub, the helpline caters to individuals who have fallen victim to various online offenses, including fraud, cyberbullying, harassment, financial scams, and other criminal activities related to the internet. The primary objective of this helpline is to deliver prompt support and take necessary measures against cybercriminals.
Benefits of the ‘1930’ Cybercrime Helpline
1. Accessibility: The '1930' helpline ensures universal access for individuals across all regions of India, facilitating the reporting of cybercrimes with ease.
2. Expert Assistance: Manned by a team of trained professionals, the helpline offers immediate and expert advice, providing victims with valuable guidance in the face of cybercrimes.
3. Anonymity: The reporting process through '1930' is designed to uphold the privacy of victims, allowing them to anonymously report cybercrimes while seeking assistance.
4. Swift Action: With a dedicated team at the helm, the helpline is well-prepared to take swift action against cybercriminals, mitigating the potential for further harm to victims.
5. Legal Support: Victims utilizing the helpline can obtain information regarding legal avenues for action against cybercriminals, ensuring that justice is pursued in response to the crimes committed.
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