Gadgets Now Bureau28 Oct, 2021, 08:34AM IST
"There are several fake UPI apps and ecommerce websites which appear authentic in design through the usage of NPCI, BHIM words and logos. If you download one of these, you will be asked to enter all your bank details as well as your MPIN thereby granting the fraudster in question complete access to your bank details," Vittal writes in the email.
Vittal explains that a fraudster may call the customer claiming to be from a bank/financial institution and then ask for account details or an OTP to unblock/renew the existing bank account. The details are then used to withdraw money from the customer's bank account.
A fraudster may pose as the company executive and ask you to reveal bank details and other personal information under the guise of updating KYC form. Once he has access to these details, he may use it for a financial transaction.
Do not open suspicious websites and apps nor fall prey to unbelievable offers or prices on such sites.
The letter further advises customers not to provide any confidential information via email or click on any suspicious link, even if the request seems to be from authorities like the Income Tax Department, Visa or MasterCard, and others. "Do not open unexpected email attachments or instant message download links. Additionally, installing antivirus software will help. It scans every file you download and protects you from malicious files," he informed customers.
In the email, Vittal asks users not to access payment options or make payments from computers in public places like cyber cafés. One should also avoid transacting using public WiFi and through unprotected mobile phones.
One of the safety measures that Vittal advises its customers is not to share any financial or personal information like your customer ID, MPIN, OTP over the phone, SMS or email.
Do not follow instructions in any SMS sent from an untrusted source. Delete such SMSes instantly. Never ever click on links, attachments or instant message download links.
In the letter, Vittal suggests using 'Airtel Safe Pay' describing it as a "very sound way" to avoid fraud. The app, he says, provides an additional layer of security for every transaction. "In other words, before you actually make a payment, our network intelligence throws up a message asking you to confirm the transaction. And the money only leaves your account once we have received your approval, thereby ensuring you are not vulnerable to fraudsters," he writes.