The Tamil Nadu Police’s Cyber Crime Wing has issued a crucial alert regarding a new scam preying on pensioners. Scammers are impersonating government officials to illicitly obtain personal financial information from elderly victims under the guise of providing pension-related services. According to Additional Director General of Police, Cyber Crime, Sandeep Mittal, there has been a surge in complaints about fraudsters posing as representatives from the pension office. These criminals reach out to potential victims, primarily senior citizens, through phone calls, offering help with various pension schemes, including those for the handicapped, elderly, and widows.
From January to October 2024, approximately 28 complaints were filed on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Victims are tricked into sharing sensitive data, such as bank details, or into scanning QR codes purportedly for receiving pension payments. Instead of receiving funds, victims discover unauthorized withdrawals from their accounts. Scammers may also request that victims share their mobile screens via WhatsApp, facilitating easier theft of financial information.
Pensioners are particularly susceptible to these scams, which can lead to substantial financial losses and significant emotional distress, especially for those who depend on pensions for survival. This urgent warning highlights the serious consequences of these fraudulent activities. Published on October 25, 2024, this notice serves as a call to vigilance for all pensioners.
Original Story https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/chennai/tn-cybercrime-police-warn-public-about-scam-targeting-pensioners/article68795021.ece
Category : Chennai
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