The digital banking system has proven to be the easiest form of banking, and people are more or less relying on cyber for all their banking systems. Digital transactions and banking have evolved and transformed the world. The long queues have diminished over time, and there’s no stress in billing counters anymore. But, with banking getting digital completely, it also invites many problems. Since these online transactions have evolved, so is the fear of being attacked by cybercrime. In case you have met any cybercrime and are thinking if you can get your money back? Here is all you need to know.
Types of Cybercrime Attacks
People usually think that cyber-attacks won’t do any harm to them. Since they do not have any sort of confidential information with them. But in the era of advanced technology, one piece of information can reveal all your credit, debit, bank and account details. All of your accounts can be accessible on the internet and may hold crucial information.
Stealing Personal Information
In case a fraudster steals personal information like usernames, passwords, and even OPT and pin codes. It is said to be a crime that can cause financial vulnerability. Not just financially, it may also affect you socially since your handles are with them.
Having Your Device Detail
Someone has access to your device and uses it for the wrong purpose, and it may be performing any illegal activity or stealing your information from it.
The authorities will track down the device performing any illegal activities and will question the original user of the account, not the person who has used the device. The proxy address/ and other details will get linked towards the original users. Therefore, they might be questioned, not the hacker who has played his trick from miles away.
Financial Fraud
In a world where everything is digital, internet banking is gaining huge importance. Giving your account number or your phone number is pretty standard.
Hackers and fraudsters can use such information or your confidential information to empty your bank account. They may scam you to get your OTP, and you might fall into their trap. It is one of the most common forms of financial fraud, and many people fall under it.
Cyber Bullying
Cyber-bullying is also getting way too common in cybercrime, taking place digitally. All electronic modes, including cell phones, computers, and tablets, can be used in cyber-bullying. It includes sending photos, negative, harmful, or false content, about someone.
It may also include sharing personal or private information about someone else and causing embarrassment. The most common place where cyber-bullying occurs is social media, text messaging, and online forums. This kind of bullying can make one feel unsafe and humiliated too.
Cyber Stalking:
Cyber-stalking involves using the internet to harass or stalk someone online. It is a potential crime to stalk or harass someone on the internet in any form, including via text, email, social media posts, video calls and so on. Cyber-bullying and cyber-stalking are two things that directly impact the lives of individuals.
These two types of crime don’t involve money unless the stalker asks for money to secure your information, pictures, videos etc. Stalking a person is a crime, and cyber-stalking is an extended version. Those who engage in this behavior tend to use a variety of tactics to humiliate or intimidate others, and they trigger the emotions of the people they have targeted.
How Does Fraud Reporting Work to Get your Money Back?
The government of India keeps on updating with the change and trends. And for that, they have launched a Citizen Financial Fraud helpline number 1930. It is for the victims of cyber fraud and to give them justice. When seeking help from the cyber cell, there are a few steps to follow to get what you expect.
As soon as you realize you are a victim of cybercrime, there is nothing but legal help that can save you. The government is working hard and building a strong network with the banks, and officers, for
situation’s like this. If anything suspicious happens to your account, it will get frozen, so no more incoming or outgoing transactions occur.
But remember that digital money is something that travels way too quickly. Hackers may have already moved your money here and there. Or, they could have created a dummy account by using their fake details, be it an Aadhar card or Pan Card.
Reporting Immediately
If you are a victim of cyber fraud and lost your money, the first thing to do is seek help. If you are reaching out to the cyber cell, call 1930 to report the incident. The police personnel will also address your issue and seek some details and evidence. They will generate a ticket number related to your complaint, which needs to be secured.
Alongside, the cyber cell professionals will get in touch with your bank or wallet merchant, who will proceed with the transaction. They will also work on putting the amount to a halt or your account on hold.
Freezing your Account
Once you inform the police personnel regarding the fraud, they will immediately work on freezing your account. They will forward a stop intimation for stopping the flow of your fund. It applies only if the money hasn’t been debited from your account.
If the money has already been transferred, an alert will be sent to the beneficiary’s account and immediately go on hold, so they do not receive your money. They will not be able to proceed with any transaction, be it incoming or outgoing.
Filing of Complaint
When the complaint is filed, the same will be confirmed through SMS. This message will have the reference number and link to a government website. It is a website that deals solely in cybercrime and more related. Further, you will be instructed to file a complaint through the site when you receive the link. File a formal complaint within the period that is usually 24 hours.
Getting the Money Back
Only a formal and registered complaint will be considered valid. And once you have filed the complaint on the portal, the police will handle it. The police will take action to revert your money into your account. After a proper and thorough investigation, you will receive your money. The police will kick start finding the fraudster and book them under the penal law.
Interrupted Web Services
Hackers are smart; they are digital geeks and know everything about the internet. They can hack your system from miles away and cause interruption. Their disruption may or may not bother you, and you may not realize they intrude on your privacy.
It may also affect the smooth running of your website since they are keeping track of you. As a business owner, you want your website to be smooth and your clients to be happy. These hackers may get access to your database and use it for their purpose. They may also affect the services provided by the website, which has been built over the years.
How to Prevent Yourself from Being Attacked by Cybercrime?
Knowing the type of cybercrime is important when you are using the internet every day. But, simply knowing won’t do any benefit. You must also be aware of preventing the crime from happening. Be it individuals, businesses, or governments; everyone requires protection against cybercrime. Follow some of the suggestions mentioned below to be protected from such crime.
- Make sure you keep your Operating System (OS) up to date.
- Always focus on working and using well-updated software/ applications.
- Do not download software from illegal sources if not provided through legal apps.
- Make sure you use a proper antivirus on your device. Access to the internet should be performed when you have an antivirus installed on your device. And try to keep them updated always.
- You need to set up your browsing as safe to access only legitimate websites.
- Always use strong and complex passwords, and try to change them frequently.
- It is ideal if you deploy a VPN (Virtual Private Network). It will further safeguard your personal information.
- Try to use different passwords for unique platforms. So the consistency doesn’t let the hackers access all your accounts.
- Try not to open or access any of the attachments or unknown files and URLs mentioned in the unknown email.
- Do not try to access links shared on text, WhatsApp or email whose source is unknown.
- If you generate any suspicious email, contact the authority to discuss it.
- Try and keep a check on your bank account and other activities
- Always upfront register cybercrime complaints without any delay.
Conclusion
Every day, we individuals encounter many scam calls, emails, and so on. Our hard-earned money is always at risk, in case our bank details get revealed. The current times we live in have seen vast technological advancement. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that our existence heavily relies on virtual cyberspace. Therefore, we need to be cautious and act responsibly for our well-being.
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