Authorities in Kerala issue advisory as scammers increasingly use fake customer support numbers and remote access tactics to steal money and personal details, urging citizens to exercise caution online.
Kerala Police have warned the public to be wary of a growing cyber fraud in which criminals plant fake customer care numbers online and then pose as support staff when victims call. According to the advisory, the scam has been linked to a rise in complaints in which people searching for help with products or services were diverted to fraudsters rather than legitimate helplines.
The police said the trap usually begins with a bogus number posted on the internet. Once the call is made, it is not answered by the company or institution concerned. Instead, the fraudster rings back pretending to be an agent, persuading the caller to install remote access or screen-sharing software and, in some cases, to pay so-called registration fees. That combination has allowed criminals to steal money and personal details, the police said.
Recent cases in Kerala show how quickly the fraud can escalate. The New Indian Express reported that a 65-year-old man lost ₹2.27 lakh after searching online for help with a faulty electric frying pan and then following instructions to install a remote access app. NDTV reported a similar case in Pathanamthitta, where a 52-year-old man lost ₹95,000 after dialling a bogus toll-free number for water-purifier servicing. In both incidents, the alleged support caller guided the victims into handing over control of their phones, which enabled unauthorised transactions.
Authorities are urging people to rely only on official websites or verified apps when looking for contact details, and never to install remote access software at the request of an unknown caller. Kerala Police have also been promoting their CyberWall digital safety assistant, which is designed to help users assess suspicious messages, links and files before they click, share or pay. For immediate help, the cyber helpline number is 1930. According to Kerala Police, the safest response is to verify before acting, especially when a search result, message or call asks for personal information or payment.
Disclaimer: This article is intended to inform and educate, not to recommend or endorse any financial product, investment or strategy. Please consider your own financial circumstances and seek professional advice where appropriate before making financial decisions.
