Beware of Fake ‘Free Ramzan Ration’ Messages

As the holy month of Ramzan begins, cyber fraudsters seize the opportunity to devise new schemes to lure unsuspecting citizens. This year, they are circulating fake messages about free Ramzan ration offers, attempting to exploit the season's goodwill.

Dangers of the Free Ramzan Ration Scam

• Financial loss
• Mobile hacking
• Malware attack
• Data leak
• Blackmail

Modus Operandi

1. Message Received: Users receive messages with links to free offers or schemes.
2. Link Prompt: Users are prompted to click on the link.
3. Suspicious Sites: Users may be redirected to suspicious websites.
4. Personal Details: Users are prompted to enter personal details to complete registration and claim offers.
5. Software Download: A software download may be attempted, leading to data leaks, malware, or virus attacks.

Warning Signs - How to Spot the Scam

• Too Good to Be True: Offers that sound too generous.
• Urgency: Creating unnecessary urgency to share details.
• Unrelated Personal Details: Requesting irrelevant personal information.
• Tweaked URLs: Altered website addresses or email IDs of the sender.
• Message Sharing Requirement: Requests to share the message with others.
• Legitimacy: No genuine website or organization asks you to share links with your contacts.

Advisory - How to Protect Yourself

1. Skepticism: Never believe free gift offers/messages/mails circulated during special occasions or festivals, as they are often bait for fraud.
2. Verification: Do not forward messages, links, or mails without proper verification or authentication.
3. Information Sharing: Never share personal or financial information such as login credentials, passwords, credit or debit card details online with anyone.
4. Link Clicking: Avoid clicking on unknown links or downloading unauthorized apps/software, as they can install malicious software on your device.
5. Antivirus Protection: Install updated antivirus software on your devices for security and protection.
6. Authorized Websites: Only visit legitimate company/organization websites for valid information.
7. Customer Care Numbers: Always use customer care numbers from authorized websites, not from online searches.
8. Block and Report: Immediately block and report numbers that offer fake deals.
9. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated about cyber frauds and scams.
10. Safe Practices: Always follow safe online practices to ensure your protection.