Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 15 Kerala Police on Thursday warned of a new cyber fraud targeting retired bank employees, with fraudsters allegedly using fake online life certificate services to steal money from their bank accounts.
In a warning, police said fake advertisements and links claiming to facilitate online submission of life certificates were circulating on social media platforms such as Facebook.
Fraudsters misuse banks’ official names and logos to gain pensioners’ trust and then trick them into installing malicious APK files, gaining access to information on their phones and to their financial transactions, police said.
“The fraud begins with fake links circulated on Facebook, claiming to help pensioners submit life certificates online. Those who click on the links and provide their details are later contacted by fraudsters posing as bank representatives,” police said.
The fraudsters also use WhatsApp profiles displaying bank logos to make their messages appear genuine, police said.
They then send APK files under the pretext of completing life certificate procedures.
Once installed, the malicious applications can allow fraudsters to gain control over the phone’s information and financial transactions, police warned.
Police advised pensioners and the public not to submit life certificates through links received on Facebook or WhatsApp and to use only the bank’s official website or authorised platforms.
They also cautioned people against installing APK files received from unknown sources and trusting WhatsApp messages solely because they display a bank’s logo.
Police urged the public not to share OTPs, PINs, passwords, card details or internet banking credentials with anyone. Suspicious calls or messages should be verified directly with the bank through its official contact number.
Victims of online financial fraud should immediately report the incident by calling 1930 or through the website www.cybercrime.gov.in, police said.
(PTI News)
