Digital payments in India have not only helped the economic growth and money circulation, it has substantially opened the gateway for unorganized cyber crimes and online frauds. In the last 7 years, unlike in any previous decade, one can see an uptick in the number of cases of cyber crimes registered across the country. According to Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Center’s report, an average of 7,000 cybercrime complaints were recorded daily in the month of May 2024, which is a substantial increase of 113.7 per cent compared to the same period between the years 2021 and 2023, as reported by Business Standard.
With fabricated scenarios and pointed targets, fraudsters are minting money in minutes, which traditionally would have taken huge efforts, time and risk for such criminals. With just a temporary mobile connection, internet and a suitable plot to trap the victims, it becomes a cake walk for these fraudsters. These fraudsters understand the pulse of their audience, their background and accordingly script their plot to sound genuine and authentic in their intentions.
Whatsapp QR code – a common scenario employed by fraudsters
The most common method is to actively register as buyers in the secondhand online market places such as OLX and QUIKR. There are several fraudsters who are in the disguise of buyers waiting for an opportunity to make big money when the time is right. These disguised buyers show interest in products listed for selling. When the seller (the victim) contacts these fraudsters, the actual plot begins. The entire conversation happens through whatsapp. Even if the seller is not interested in receiving an advance payment, the buyer insists that they would send an advance payment so that the product is locked for them. Also, the buyers ask the sellers to delete their ads from such market places so as to ensure zero evidence. Once the seller deletes their ad, the buyer asks for the UPI payment details of the seller. For obvious reasons, the seller wouldn’t receive any money. When they highlight this, the fraudster sends a QR code and asks the seller to scan and accept the payment. This is the turning point. Because the buyer (the fraudster in this case), has accepted to buy the listed product in an exorbitant price, the seller (the victim) is in a hurry to sell their items. This creates a limited time scenario for sellers where they typically don’t think much. In such a scenario, when the fraudster asks the seller to scan the QR code and accept, the seller does it right away without a pinch of doubt. Often, the fraudster claims that they are sending the payment from their current account and hence the seller has to scan and accept the payment.
Media coverages hardly helps
While one sees so many accounts of online and cyber frauds reported by media, taking a deep dive, one would realize that sich reports hardly help in protecting the citizens. Here’s why. If one has observed the pattern of media coverages on such cyber crimes, no media company exposes the details of fraudsters. When such a fraud happens, typically, there is a person or a company involved, there would have been mobile numbers and whatsapp communication based transactions between the victim and the fraudster. They would have exchanged QR codes or some other payment method that can be traced to the fraudster’s bank account details. However, none of these are captured by media as part of their coverages. All they highlight is the story behind how the victim was victimized. To add flavor to the story, these media agencies go to the extent of sharing all the details about the victim’s professional and economic backgrounds, but, one would hardly see any details about the fraudster. From name of the fraudster, company name highlighted, mobile numbers through which calls received, websites and links shared during the conversation, bank account details exchanged, etc. no specifics about the fraudsters are shared by media coverages. Why is that?
Media should act responsibly
The unanswered question is what stops media from sharing the details of fraudsters? Why do they make it a habit of sharing zero information about the websites, links, whatsapp number and the names of such companies and individuals who were involved in executing the plots and looting the victims to the tune of thousands and lakhs. Here is a sample list of online media coverages by different popular dailies that have brought cyber crimes to limelight. Examine the pattern, none of those coverage gives an iota of detail about the fraudsters.
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/technology/tech-news/noida-businessman-loses-rs-9-crore-to-whatsapp-trading-scam-tips-to-stay-safe/articleshow/110652674.cms
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hubballi/online-fraud-businessman-loses-rs-37-lakh/articleshow/110829547.cms
https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/markets/stocks/news/pune-brothers-duped-of-over-rs-2-crore-via-whatsapp-in-an-online-trading-scam-report/articleshow/110468060.cms?from=mdr
https://www.indiatoday.in/technology/news/story/whatsapp-group-scam-on-rise-in-india-what-is-it-how-to-be-safe-2544884-2024-05-28
If media is only looking at increasing its TRP and getting more readership through such chilling news on online fraud, then, may be they are doing a good job. However, media companies should realize that they have a social responsibility to create proper awareness, to expose criminals and to protect common citizens from falling for such scams.
Lack of stringent policies and citizen protective acts
While the government continues to introduce policies and initiatives with an intent to protect the citizens, the ground reality says otherwise. 1930, the hotline number to raise complaints on online frauds and cyber crime is hardly reachable. In one case, it took a week’s time to connect with a personnel using this hotline number. During the call, the official asked whether there was any monetary loss; it need not always be a complaint after a loss; it can as well be a thwarted attempt, a narrow escape from losing money, which a citizen might like to lodge as a complaint. However, the moment we give ‘No monetary loss’ as a response, they cut the call without any further instructions or steps. As if the case is closed. They don’t even ask the plot, scenario or the websites and numbers of the suspects. In other words, they dont seem to care. Alternatively, there is an option to lodge such complaints directly in the government’s website. But alas, it carries a form which can never be submitted. It will eventually throw an error and will not allow any complaint submissions. While the initiatives exist, the efficacy of such protective and preventive measures are very amature and lacks proper setup, infrastructure and trained people for execution.
Moving Forward: A Multifaceted Approach to Cybersecurity
Addressing the cybercrime threat in India requires a comprehensive, multifaceted approach involving the government, media, private sector, and the public:
- Strengthening Legislation and Enforcement: The government must implement stricter cybersecurity laws and ensure robust enforcement. This includes not only punishing cybercriminals but also enhancing the infrastructure and capabilities of law enforcement agencies.
- Improving Reporting Mechanisms: The 1930 hotline and online complaint systems need significant improvements. Ensuring these platforms are accessible, user-friendly, and responsive is crucial. Training personnel to handle complaints efficiently and thoroughly investigate all reports, regardless of monetary loss, is essential.
- Media Responsibility: Media organizations must adopt a more informative and responsible approach to reporting cybercrimes. Providing detailed information about fraudsters and their methods can help the public recognize and avoid scams. Collaboration between media and law enforcement can further enhance the dissemination of critical information.
- Public Awareness Campaigns: Continuous education and awareness campaigns are vital to inform the public about the latest cybercrime tactics and preventive measures. Workshops, online resources, and collaboration with tech companies can help spread awareness.
- Technological Solutions: Encouraging the development and use of advanced cybersecurity technologies can help detect and prevent cybercrimes. Financial institutions and tech companies should invest in robust security measures and provide customers with tools to protect themselves.
- Community Involvement: Encouraging community reporting and support systems can create a more vigilant and informed public. Neighborhood groups and online forums can play a significant role in sharing information and experiences related to cybercrime.
Conclusion
The rise in digital payments in India is a double-edged sword, bringing both economic benefits and increased vulnerability to cybercrime. Addressing this issue requires a concerted effort from the government, media, private sector, and the public. By strengthening legislation, improving reporting mechanisms, fostering media responsibility, raising public awareness, and leveraging technology, India can create a safer digital environment. Only through such a comprehensive approach can the country effectively combat the growing threat of cybercrime and protect its citizens in the digital age.