Your phone rings and the voice on the other end says, “We are calling from XYZ Bank We have a special offer on your debit card. Kindly confirm your debit card number whose last 4 digits are 1234. And please let us know the OTP (One Time Password) that you receive on your mobile.” Without realizing and verifying authenticity, you divulge your debit card details. This leads to you unknowingly getting hacked by social engineering.
As per the RSA fraud report published two years ago, India ranked 3rd after US & Russia in the number of phishing attacks. Its more important to note, 65% of all digital frauds in India, happen via mobile apps and browsers. Recently, a place in Jharkhand, known as Jamtara was in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. It became known as the ‘Phishing capital’ of India. In fact, there was a Netflix series released earlier this year, focusing on Jamtara and its fraudsters, who are essentially unemployed youth.
The Jamtara model, which hinges on hacking through social engineering can be easily stopped. Especially if all of us are aware and protective about our financial details. Moreover, the ‘Phishing through Social Engineering’ attempts have increased over the years, originating from other small towns of India.
Hence, what are the must-dos while traversing the world through your mobile/smartphone?
Do not share any OTP or any bank details with any stranger
You might have received SMSes from your bank, advising you about the same. Please heed the advice. Please note, bank representatives will never ask you for OTPs or card numbers.
Ensure that your mobile OS is updated
Whether its Apple or Android, the latest versions have all the updated security patches which make your smartphone secure. Make sure your Mobile OS is updated.
Don’t click on suspicious links anywhere
Be it in a SMS or WhatsApp or emails or social media, don’t click on links with suspicious domains. For example, .div, .it, .ik and numerous such non-popular domains.
Ensure you connect your Gmail or google id only on verified sites
While you are logging in with google, please refrain from using the option on sites that aren’t popular and seem suspicious.
If you must click on a suspicious link, do it on incognito or InPrivate mode
Not all suspicious links are harmful, some may be relevant to your work or personal life. Its always better to first verify such links on masked modes of your default browser.
In conclusion, we can agree that more and more seniors extensively browse through the mobile & digital world. We hope you stay safe while exploring the digital space.
For an exclusive access to highly curated senior citizen content and opportunities to interact with movers and shakers of the senior space, become an Unmukt member today!