Be Aware of OTP Frauds: Protect Your Financial and Personal Information

In the digital age, One Time Passwords (OTPs) have become a crucial security feature, adding an additional layer of protection for online transactions. This time-bound authentication mechanism is designed to secure sensitive data and money during online activities. However, as digital financial transactions have increased, so have the schemes devised by fraudsters to exploit this security feature.

Understanding OTP Frauds: OTP fraud occurs when fraudsters deceive users into sharing their OTPs, thus gaining unauthorized access to their accounts and committing financial frauds.

How OTP Thefts Occur:

• Phishing Calls: Fraudsters posing as legitimate representatives from banks, companies, or institutions, ask for OTPs under various pretexts.
• In-Person Deception: Impersonators use fake identities and reasons to extract OTPs.
• Malware Links: Fraudulent links containing malware are sent to users to capture OTPs.
• Social Engineering: Using sophisticated psychological manipulation, fraudsters convince users to share OTPs.

Dangers of OTP Frauds:

• Financial Loss: Unauthorized transactions leading to significant financial damage.
• Data Breach: Compromise of personal and sensitive information.
• Malware Attacks: Introduction of malware into devices, leading to potential hacks.

Modus Operandi: Fraudsters use various tactics to deceive users:

• Impersonation: Posing as company executives offering free gifts, loans, or services like KYC updates and credit limit enhancements.
• Fake Links: Sending malware-infected links on pretexts such as order cancellations.
• Social Engineering: Manipulating users into sharing OTPs for services or order cancellations.

Example Scenario: A fraudster posing as an online shopping executive contacts a user about an order delivery. When the user denies placing the order, the fraudster sends a cancellation link and requests the OTP for confirmation. Sharing this OTP allows the fraudster to commit financial fraud.

Preventive Measures:

1. Never Share OTPs: Genuine service providers will never ask for OTPs, CVVs, PINs, or other sensitive details.
2. Avoid Clicking Unverified Links: Do not click on links from unknown or unverified sources.
3. Verify Contact Information: Only use contact details from official websites, not those found through search engines or received in emails/messages.
4. Monitor Messages and Emails: Regularly check for OTP generation alerts and act immediately if they occur without your knowledge.
5. Be Cautious with Third-Party Apps: Avoid downloading apps that require unnecessary permissions, as they can compromise device security.
6. Proper Disposal of Sensitive Documents: Dispose of unused documents like passbooks and Aadhar cards securely and avoid sharing photocopies with strangers.
7. Report Issues Immediately: Inform your service provider and block your card if you suspect fraud to prevent further misuse.
8. Cybercrime Reporting: Report cyber fraud incidents on cybercrime.gov.in or call the toll-free number 1930.