Threat Summary:

Government schemes are generally launched in the name of prominent personalities/dignitaries, etc. Some fraudsters are creating fake websites using dignitary names (eg.President, Prime Minister etc.) and ask for personal details promising help to COVID affected people, which  further are used for  financial frauds.

Modus Operandi:

1. Fraudsters use names of prominent personalities/dignitaries to create fake websites claiming to provide benefit to citizens of government schemes. Name of President/Prime Minister etc. is being used for fake website claiming to provide subsidy/help for those affected by COVID19.

2. These fake websites ask to fill personal details, bank a/c details etc. which is then further used to carry out frauds by using various methods.

3. Social media and chat messengers are also used to circulate such messages and links to these fake websites.

Suggestions:

1. Verify   the genuineness of any website providing government schemes/help related to COVID.

2. Avoid clicking on any links received on mail/WhatsApp as it may lead to fraudsters website.

3.  Government schemes should be availed only from official Government sites majorly ending with ‘gov.in’ nic.in etc., Private domain website should be accessed after due verification.

4. Don’t share personal information and pay any registration charge on any website before thoroughly verifying the source.

5. Report any fraud, website/complaint at National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: www.cybercrime.gov.in or on 4S4U Portal.