TGCSB flags rise in fake shopping ads, card frauds

The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has flagged a rise in online shopping frauds and credit and debit card compromises, with cybercriminals using fake advertisements, steep discounts and malicious mobile applications to cheat customers.

The bureau said it had recorded a sharp increase in complaints involving two types of fraud over the past 20 to 30 days. In the first, fraudsters post advertisements on Instagram, Facebook, WhatsApp and fake websites offering branded electronics, clothing, holiday packages, beauty services and online courses at heavily discounted prices, sometimes promising discounts of up to 70%.

After attracting customers, they collect advance payments through UPI, digital wallets or bank transfers and send fake order confirmations. They then cite delivery delays before blocking the customers’ numbers and shutting down their websites without delivering the products or services.

In another emerging modus operandi, fraudsters target credit and debit cardholders through phishing links and malicious Android application packages (APK files) disguised as bank reward schemes, cashback offers and credit limit enhancement proposals. Some advertisements promise to increase credit card limits to ₹5 lakh.

Once victims click on the links or install the applications, they are prompted to share their card numbers, expiry dates, CVV, PINs and OTPs. Some malicious applications can also intercept SMS alerts, allowing fraudsters to carry out unauthorised domestic and international transactions.

Meanwhile, the TGCSB advised people not to purchase products from unverified online sellers or fall for unrealistic discounts. It has also cautioned against downloading APK files received through WhatsApp, SMS or unknown links and sharing banking credentials with anyone. Card upgrade and reward offers should be verified only through official bank applications or customer care channels.

Director of TGCSB Shikha Goel urged citizens to verify online sellers, payment links and banking requests before proceeding with transactions. Those who lose money to cyber fraud have been asked to immediately call the national cybercrime helpline 1930 or register a complaint at www.cybercrime.gov.in to report the incident during the crucial golden hour.