Court Fraud Alert: Protect yourself from this latest wave of scams
A fresh wave of fraudulent activities targeting simple-minded citizens by scamsters pretending to be court officials and senior judges has come to light. Maharashtra Cyber, the state’s nodal agency for cyber security has issued public information regarding this. The fraudsters associated with the scams exploit the fears of targeted individuals, threaten legal action, and demand money saying they are following the due processes of the court.
Details of Court Fraud
The scammers reach their victims through unsolicited calls or emails, stating that they are court officials or senior judges and include the names of actual judges to authenticate the threat. They pressure people to pay on an urgent basis, threatening to engage them in legal consequences if an action is not taken instantly.
Warning Indicators
Watch out for these warning indicators to not get caught in such a scam:
Unsolicited Communication: Any abrupt call or email seeking to claim that it’s from court, beware of it.
Judges’ Names: The criminals may try using genuine names of judges to suit up the reality.
Urgent Demand of Payment: No court officials will ever ask for cash payments through e-mails or calls.
How to Protect yourself from Scams
Do Not Share Personal Information: Never give your personal or financial information to a caller you do not know, or via unsolicited emails.
Verify the Information: Always contact the courts directly using contact information verified from official sources.
Report Suspicious Activity: If you feel that you have become a victim, report it to your local law enforcement or cybersecurity departments as soon as possible.
What to Do If You Suspect You Are a Victim
If you think you are a victim of this scam, then you should take immediate action :
Contact the Court: Contact the court from their website or phone number.
Report Fraud: Call your local fraud reporting agency or report online at http://cybercrime.gov.in.
Maharashtra Cyber has appealed to citizens to remain alert and informed about this fraud attempt. Verification should always be done before any action on illegal communication.
