Rising OTP scams in India: Cert-In issues warning, asks users to be follow these rules

Updated on 16-Sep-2024
HIGHLIGHTS

Scammers can pose as representatives from banks, e-commerce platforms, or government agencies.

Once the OTP is shared, scammers can easily access anything they want.

CERT-In shared some critical steps for mobile users.

As the use of the internet and smartphones grows in India, the cases of scams and financial fraud too. It’s upsetting to see how many people find themselves as a victim of such online scams. A Reserve Bank of India (RBI) report revealed that financial frauds are seeing an alarming surge in India. A lot of security measures are in place but a lot of people in India lack financial education and fraudsters exploit that. Hence scams like OTP scams are growing by the day.

What is an OTP Scam?

I am sure most of you might have come across such a scam yourself or must have heard about it, but an OTP scam is one where fraudsters deceive people into sharing their OTPs to get unauthorised access to bank accounts, digital wallets, or other sensitive information. For this, they can pose as representatives from banks, e-commerce platforms, or government agencies. Once the OTP is shared, scammers can easily access anything they want.

In response to this, Cert-In, which is an Indian government cyber security agency, has issued some safety tips to help prevent such OTP scams. You should follow and abide by them as much as possible.

How to avoid OTP scams

CERT-In took to X(formerly Twitter) to share a public warning. It asked users to be aware of the growing number of OTP frauds. It also shared some critical steps for mobile users. Read these here:

  • Avoid sharing personal or financial details over the phone or online.
  • Verify the authenticity of calls or messages by contacting official banks or company websites.
  • Never share OTPs in exchange for rewards or cashback offers.

These are some basic thumb rules, but everyone should abide by them so that they do not end up getting scammed like this. Always follow the better safe than sorry motto.

Mustafa Khan

Mustafa is new on the block and is a tech geek who is currently working with Digit as a News Writer. He tests the new gadgets that come on board and writes for the news desk. He has found his way with words and you can count on him when in need of tech advice. No judgement. He is based out of Delhi, he’s your person for good photos, good food recommendations, and to know about anything GenZ.

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