In an effort to spread awareness on social media scams, a civil organisation has alerted the general public against scammers targeting social media platforms, particularly Facebook Messenger, with the intention of deceiving and swindling innocent individuals for illicit gains.
"These scammers employ various tactics to trap their victims. They often create fake accounts, sometimes impersonating your friends or family members, to gain your trust and create a false sense of familiarity," the Rongmei Phwam Delhi (RPD/Rongmei Council Delhi NCR) said in a release issued on Friday.
Subsequently, they request money deposits into their bank accounts or prompt online transactions through platforms like Gpay and Paytm. Scammers frequently use urgency or fear tactics to manipulate victims into making impulsive decisions, the RPD stated.
"To safeguard yourself and your loved ones from falling victim to these scams, we urge you to follow these important steps, which include being cautious when receiving unsolicited messages, particularly if they involve financial transactions. Always verify the identity of the person sending the message, even if they claim to be someone you know," they added.
Be wary of messages or friend requests from unknown individuals, especially those claiming to be distant relatives or friends, they maintained, while calling to refrain from sharing sensitive personal information, such as bank account details, passwords, or OTPs (One-Time Passwords), with unknown individuals.
If you receive suspicious messages or encounter a potential scammer, take screenshots of the conversation and note down any relevant information, such as bank details or contact numbers. Report the incident to the local law enforcement authorities promptly, the RPD said, while calling for educating and spreading awareness about such scams among all.
