Cyber Fraud Targeting Seniors: A Growing Concern in Guwahati

Rising Cyber Fraud Among Seniors

GUWAHATI, Sept 14: Individuals over the age of 50 often do not suspect a phone call regarding pensions, medical benefits, or bank accounts. Cybercriminals are taking advantage of this naivety, using familiar information and authoritative language to persuade victims to provide access to their phones and bank accounts.

In Guwahati, officials in cybercrime are noting that those aged 50-60 and older, especially those less familiar with technology, are particularly susceptible to these scams. The tactics have evolved beyond mere fake bank calls; fraudsters are now incorporating details about medical insurance, pensions, and provident fund accounts to lend credibility to their claims.

One victim recounted to a local news outlet that he was contacted by fraudsters who claimed his ONGC medical card was about to expire and needed immediate updating.

“They warned me that my ONGC medical card would become invalid if I didn’t act quickly. They even had my CPF reference number and other details related to my medical insurance, which made me trust them,” he explained.

The scammers then requested him to share his phone screen during a video call, instructing him to download an APK file and enter his card details and PIN.

Feeling uneasy, he ended the call and reached out to his bank to secure his account. “I later discovered that my emails had been compromised, and I lost access to everything,” he added.

Another victim shared that the fraudsters first confirmed his status as a pensioner before soliciting his personal and financial information. “They asked if I was receiving a pension and collected all my details. Shortly after, my money disappeared,” he stated.

Cybercrime officials emphasize that these incidents highlight the vulnerability of elderly and less tech-savvy individuals. An official from the Guwahati cybercrime unit noted that the department handles around 140 cases monthly.

This issue is part of a larger scheme affecting many across India, making it challenging to apprehend the criminals. Often, only a portion of the stolen funds is recovered, if any at all.

A representative from the Cyber Police Station in Guwahati warned, “These cybercriminals primarily target individuals aged 50 to 60 who lack technological knowledge. It’s crucial for people to refrain from sharing bank details or OTPs with anyone and to avoid downloading APK files from unknown sources. Granting such access can allow fraudsters to infiltrate the phone itself,” the official cautioned.