By Neeraj Kumar
Patna: The menace of cybercriminals has surged recently, with scams becoming increasingly sophisticated. Individuals are being trapped digitally, their money stolen, or duped via malicious links. A new scam, termed the ‘Jump Deposit Scam’, has surfaced and is particularly targeting residents of Bihar. If you’re not cautious, you could be the next victim, losing your hard-earned money to these cyber thugs. Here’s what you need to know to stay vigilant:
What Is the Jump Deposit Scam?
Cybercriminals have developed a cunning method to access and drain bank accounts. Here’s how it works:
- Targeting the Victim: The scammer identifies a person to target.
- Fake Deposit Notification: They send a notification indicating that money has been deposited into the victim’s bank account, ranging from £5 to £20.
- Triggering the Trap: When the victim logs into their UPI (Unified Payments Interface) account to verify the deposit by entering their password, the scammer gains access and empties the account.
What makes this scam even more dangerous is that victims are not required to share their UPI PIN or any links for the fraud to occur. Instead, the criminals exploit behavioural patterns, tempting individuals by depositing small amounts of money into their accounts.
Expert Insights
Raghavendra Mani Tripathi, SDPO of the Cyber Police Station in Patna, warns that the Jump Deposit Scam is a novel tactic employed by cybercriminals. This method is specifically targeting young individuals who may be less cautious while entering their UPI PIN. The scam has already been detected in approximately six cases.
How to Protect Yourself
- Wait Before Checking: If you notice an unexpected deposit in your account, do not check your balance immediately. Wait at least 30 minutes.
- Use Incorrect PIN Initially: Deliberately enter an incorrect PIN on your first attempt. Enter the correct PIN only on the second attempt.
- Stay Alert: Do not engage with unsolicited deposits or notifications in your account.
What to Do If You Are Scammed
If you fall victim to such a scam, immediately call 1930, the cybercrime helpline, and report the incident. Quick action is crucial to minimising losses.
Stay vigilant and spread awareness about the Jump Deposit Scam to protect yourself and others from falling prey to these cyber fraudsters.
