Is Rajasthan Police Warning Against Cybercriminals Targeting Brand Dealerships?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Be cautious of unsolicited calls and messages offering dealership opportunities.
- Always verify the legitimacy of the offer through official channels.
- Do not transfer money without confirming the details in person.
- Payments should only be made to the company's official account.
- Report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately.
Jaipur, November 10 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Police has issued a formal warning regarding a new type of cyber fraud that is being perpetrated under the pretense of offering dealerships and franchises for well-known brands.
In response to directives from Director General of Police Rajiv Kumar Sharma, the Cyber Crime Branch at Police Headquarters, guided by Additional Director General V.K. Singh, has urged citizens to be vigilant against such deceptive schemes.
Deputy Inspector General of Police (Cybercrime), Vikas Sharma, stated that organized groups of cybercriminals are misleading individuals by advertising dealership or franchise opportunities with reputable companies.
These criminals typically reach out to potential victims via mobile calls, emails, or social media, impersonating high-ranking officials within these firms.
They entice individuals with appealing offers and assert that dealership opportunities are limited, instilling a sense of urgency.
Shortly thereafter, they request payments in the form of registration fees, security deposits, or no objection certificate charges, instructing victims to transfer funds to specific bank accounts.
Once the payment is made, the scammers cease all communication, leaving victims in distress and financially compromised.
The Rajasthan Police have recommended several precautions for citizens to avoid becoming victims of these scams.
Individuals should always consult the official website of a company for details regarding dealerships or franchises and should avoid believing advertisements on social platforms.
If approached, it is crucial to verify the caller’s identity, position, and employee ID through the company’s official channels, ensuring that all communications originate from legitimate email domains.
Before sending any funds, individuals must confirm the necessary processes and documents in person at the company's office.
Payments should exclusively be made to the company’s operational account and never to personal accounts.
The police have further warned that if a deal or profit seems exceptionally enticing, it is likely a fraudulent scheme.
Vikas Sharma also emphasized that if someone finds themselves a victim of such fraud, they should promptly notify their bank to halt the transaction and report the incident to the nearest police or cyber police station.
Complaints can also be lodged on the Union government’s cybercrime portal, or victims can reach out to the cyber helpline number 1930 and the Rajasthan Police's cyber helpdesk for further assistance, he added.