As the glitter of New Year celebrations approaches, the Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau warns of a sinister twist to festive cheer: a surge in phishing scams disguised as enticing lucky draw wins. These scams prey on the excitement of the season, luring unsuspecting individuals with promises of lucrative prizes like cars or “special gifts.”

Beware of messages or calls congratulating you on winning something. Scammers often impersonate reputable companies or organizations to add a veneer of legitimacy. Their goal? To convince you to share sensitive information like bank card details or other personal data in the name of claiming your “prize.” Once they have this information, your festive cheer can quickly turn into financial loss.

The Telangana State Cyber Security Bureau urges everyone to stay vigilant and follow these steps to avoid falling prey to these scams.

• If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Be skeptical of any unexpected prize notifications or offers, especially those promising exorbitant rewards.
• Never share personal information, especially bank details, over phone calls or messages. Legitimate organizations won’t ask for such information through these channels.
• Verify the sender’s authenticity. Contact the company or organization directly to confirm the validity of the offer.
• Report suspicious activity. If you encounter a potential scam, report it immediately to the authorities. You can file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or dial 1930.

Let’s make this New Year a celebration of joy, not a season for cybercrime. Remember, staying cautious and informed is your best defense against festive phishing scams.