Emails that are not meant for me: Protect yourself from digital fraud!

Dear Saurabh Kumar Agarwal,

Cyber criminals are targeting unsuspecting people using malware within links sent via SMSes or e-mails. For example, scammers will send you a message informing you that your parcel couldn't be delivered due to an incomplete address and will ask you to click a link in the message to update your address and pay a small fee. Or they might send a link for a doctor's appointment / KYC updation / electricity bill payment. If you click on such a link, the scammers get access to your mobile/tablet/computer which can lead to the loss of your hard-earned money.

Case Study:

Mr. X received a call in which the caller said that they were calling from a courier company and were unable to deliver his items due to an incomplete address. They sent Mr. X an SMS with a link where he had to update his address and pay for the delivery. Mr. X agreed, clicked on the link and tried making a payment by entering the amount and his UPI PIN. Mr. X also shared his personal/sensitive details on the link. The fraudsters used this information to siphon off Mr. X's savings.

Safety Tips:

	Never click on suspicious links in e-mails, SMSes or WhatsApp messages
	Avoid downloading/installing unknown apps
	Never share your confidential information like OTP, password, PIN and Card number with anyone
	Check the permissions of any app before allowing access
	Update your mobile device with the latest operating system and security patches
	Install apps only from official and trusted sources (like Google Play Store and Apple App Store)
	Install antivirus/security software from a trusted provider and update it regularly.

Remember to:

	STOP: Scammers will offer help or ask you to verify or share confidential/personal/sensitive information. Stop! Do not share personal information with anyone
	THINK: Ask yourself if there is a possibility that the message or call could be fake
	PROTECT: Act quickly if something feels wrong and protect yourself from getting scammed.

Here is a method commonly used by fraudsters:

	Fraudsters send an e-mail / SMS / WhatsApp message that contains a link to confirm address / make a payment / complete KYC etc.
	On clicking on this link, an APK file gets downloaded onto the recipient's mobile/computer
	Fraudsters then guide the recipient to make a small transaction of ₹ 2 or ₹ 5
	Subsequently, a UPI app registration process is initiated by the fraudster without the recipient's knowledge.

Report such frauds immediately to the National Cyber Crime portal at cybercrime.gov.in or call their helpline number 1930 or call the ICICI Bank helpline at 18002662.

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