Information-technology facilities are increasing in the country. The number of internet users is increasing continuously. The facilities offered by the Internet in money transfer are immense. Although the Internet has brought many benefits, it also poses some threats. The most important of them are financial threats.
Most of the people who use smartphones are using online money transfer facility. Taking it to their advantage, the number of people involved in money laundering has also increased.
The money laundering gangs easily fall into their trap and deceive the elderly, job-seeking youth, and those involved in online games. Banks are constantly vigilant to avoid such gangs. Banks are alerting customers about money laundering gangs from time to time through text messages.
Central and state governments are also involved in such vigilance activities. In this case, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has adopted an innovative approach to create awareness among people to prevent them from falling prey to financial crimes.
RBI has published a picture-dialogue book (comics) titled ‘Raju and 40 Thieves’. In it, the 40 types of abuses faced by a Nab called Raju are told in the form of a story. At the end of each scam, customer dos and don’ts are highlighted. Here are some of them…
Don’ts:
Don’t proceed without checking unfamiliar ‘links’ in text messages and emails.
Do not share any confidential information including bank ATM card number, OTP number with any unknown person.
Don’t trust calls from a mobile number that says ‘we’re talking from the bank’.
OTP PIN and UPI number for e-remittance are required only for remittance. They are not required to receive money from others. Do not disclose those numbers to others under any circumstances.
ATM card should not be given to unknown persons. No secret number should be written on those cards.
Do not seek help of third party to withdraw money from ATMs.
Do not download any app through ‘links’ sent through SMS or email.
Do not download apps that share the mobile screen with others.
‘QR code’ is required only for sending money. No need to scan QR Code to receive money from other person.
Mobile number, email address, details of friends etc. should not be openly shared in public places including social networking sites.
Never trust text messages and emails like ‘you’ve got a prize’, ‘you’ve got a job’.
Don’t be fooled by people who tell you to pay so much if you want a job.
Do not transact money through unsecured websites.
Do not make any money transaction without confirming the identity card of the people who claim to be bank officials.
Do not trust calls and text messages asking you to pay for government services and subsidies.
Don’t trust text messages and emails claiming to work from home.
Do not sign e-contracts related to employment etc. without the advice of a lawyer.
There is no need to pay money to avail bank loan etc.
Things to do:
The authenticity of the text messages regarding updating of KYC details should be decided after consultation with the bank officials.
Report money laundering attempt to the nearest e-crime police station.
It is necessary to verify bank account number, UPI number etc. during online money transaction.
If you find that money has been fraudulently withdrawn from your bank account, you should immediately contact the bank and report it. Further loss of funds can be prevented by closing the bank account quickly.
If the SIM code of the mobile phone is lost, immediately contact the concerned telecom company and disable the number.
When buying items online, it is important to ensure the credibility of the seller. Don’t make advance payments to untrustworthy sellers.
You should confirm the information about the employment by contacting the employment agency directly.
Buy items only from secure websites.
Only secure ‘Wi-Fi’ internet facilities should be used.