Report and React: What You Should Do When Facing a Suspicious Payment Request

We often hear stories of people getting scammed, but we never imagined that it could happen to us too. So, here is a scenario for you-

Imagine yourself juggling between your daily chores and suddenly, your phone rings. On the screen, you spot a completely unknown number. But you answer that, thinking it might be someone you already know.

In the blink of an eye, the entire call script flips, and the person on the other side uses flattering words to gain your trust. Claiming from a reputable company, an urgent issue from your bank, or a lottery-winning call you never applied for. Such suspicious and suspected calls offer deals that are too good to be true and draw your attention.

Talking about so many scams happening around us, it becomes essential for all of us to guard ourselves against every uninvited activity, even before it happens. This blog has a step-by-step personal guide to help you move diligently instead of paying a bigger price for such a suspicious act.

Step-by-step Guide to Protecting Yourself from Suspicious Frauds and Scams! 

Step 1: Take a moment to examine the situation!

Every panic situation demands you to be calm and make a sound decision! Scammers often try to trick you using basic human psychology, leading you to the excitement of an unexpected massive amount of money. Don't let them win that game! The more relaxed we stay, the more beneficial decisions we make. 

Step 2: Let's Play Spy!

Take a good look at the message you’ve received through SMS or email. Read the message carefully and take the right action.

Step 3: Double-check things

If you're not sure about a request, especially one involving money, always verify its genuineness. Do a complete background check!

1. Payment Request through Email: Pay attention to the small details of the mail. If there’s any company name or a person’s name mentioned, perform a background check of these details over the Internet. See if the company even exist!

2. Payment Request through SMS: If someone has sent you a link over an SMS, call the person and ask about official identification. Tell them that you will make a payment once you verify their identity.

3. Payment Request through Call: Over the call, ask for the company’s address and their official website.

4. Payment Request on Website/App: Check for website reviews written over scam listing websites. Such websites allow you to go through reviews written by the public that can protect you against potential fraud.

5. Whatsapp Wedding Invitation: Nowadays, frauds have used their creativity more and found an entirely new way to scam you. They send you a wedding invitation on WhatsApp that looks normal at first. But if you pay attention to tiny details like file extension, it would be .apk instead of .pdf or .jpeg. As you click on it, the malware gets installed into your phone and gives access to your private information to the frauds. So, be alert!

   
   

Step 4: Found something Fishy? Report!

If you've confirmed that the request is indeed suspicious after double-checking it, inform the cybercrime branch or related authority, like on the Chakshu Portal, about this incident right away! If the message you received pretends to be from the official banking firm, report this incident to the related banking firm. It will not only stop loan scam activities from fraud but also cause someone else to fall into the same trap!

Step 5: Document Everything!

It might sound like a bit of a time-consuming exercise. But it is actually very necessary to record the entire incident word for word and document by document. Note the date and time you received the payment request, record the source, take screenshots, and back up all the necessary things.

Step 6: Spread Awareness!

There are many ways to spread awareness about such incidents. You can write your review with screenshots and other records on scam review websites and different social media platforms. This mindful act will also save others from falling into the trap of such fraud!

Step 7: Boost your Online Security!

After this incident, just like everyone else, the first thing is boosting your online security. Take a step towards your safety and update all online transaction passwords. Turn on two-factor authentication. And finally, you’ve guarded yourself against potential frauds!

You’ve Unlocked a New Achievement of Cyber Financial Safety!

The one thing that can save our hard-earned money from such fraud is awareness of these online activities. This blog explains all the necessary steps to follow when you encounter any kind of fraud in future. Keep updated with the latest security tips and protective measures against such frauds.

How have you tackled such suspicious fraud events in your life?

Do share your views in the comment section below!