Scammers are on the prowl, sending phishing messages to individuals, posing as credit card reward point alerts. These deceptive messages urge recipients to click on a provided link to redeem their credit card reward points. However, these messages are part of a new credit card reward points scam that has been affecting people across the country.
One recent victim of this scam is a 60-year-old advocate from Bengaluru, who ended up losing Rs 4.9 lakh after falling prey to the scam. The victim received a text message on September 20, which closely resembled a legitimate message from her private bank. The message informed her that her credit card reward points, amounting to Rs 4,999, were set to expire and urged her to renew them by clicking the attached link. Trusting the authenticity of the link, the woman clicked it, resulting in the download of a malicious app on her phone. She unknowingly entered her card details, allowing scammers to gain control over her phone and transfer Rs 4.9 lakh to another bank account.
It’s important to exercise caution and vigilance when dealing with unsolicited messages, emails, or phone calls, especially when they request personal or financial information. Here are some essential safety measures to protect yourself from such scams:
- Verify the Source: Before taking any action in response to a message, verify the source. Contact your bank or the relevant organization directly using contact information from their official website or statement.
- Avoid Clicking Unverified Links: Refrain from clicking on links in messages from unknown or unverified sources. Hover over the link to view the URL before clicking, ensuring it matches the official website’s URL.
- Use Security Software: Keep your devices protected with up-to-date antivirus and anti-malware software. These tools can detect and prevent malicious downloads.
- Strong Passwords: Utilize strong and unique passwords for online accounts, particularly for banking and financial websites. Consider using a reputable password manager to generate and store secure passwords.
- Stay Informed: Stay informed about common scams and phishing tactics. If you suspect you’ve received a scam message or have fallen victim to one, report it promptly to your bank, relevant authorities, and cyber cell.
Remaining vigilant and practicing online safety can help individuals avoid falling victim to scams and phishing attempts, ultimately safeguarding their financial well-being.