States » SouthPosted at: Oct 2 2026 7:47PM


Google searches for customer care can lead to cyber fraud, theft of money and personal data

Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 2 (UNI) Cyber financial frauds using fake customer care numbers found through internet searches are on the rise, with fraudsters targeting customers in the name of banks, e-commerce platforms and other service providers.
Fraudsters post fake customer care numbers on the internet in the name of various institutions. When customers call these numbers seeking assistance, the calls may not be connected directly. The fraudsters later call back posing as customer support representatives and offer to resolve the complaints.
Under the pretext of providing customer support, they may ask victims to install remote access or screen-sharing applications on their mobile phones. They may also ask them to make a small payment, such as Rs 5, towards registration or verification, sources said.
Once the victims follow these instructions, the fraudsters can gain access to banking and personal information and subsequently carry out large-scale financial fraud.
The public has been cautioned against blindly trusting customer care numbers obtained through Google or other internet searches. For any service or assistance, customers should use only the official website or mobile application of the concerned institution.
People should never install remote access or screen-sharing applications on their phones at the request of unknown persons or make registration or verification payments based on such calls. OTPs, PINs, passwords, card details and other confidential banking information should never be shared with anyone.
If there is any doubt during a phone conversation, the call should be disconnected immediately and the concerned institution contacted through its official channels. Customers can also visit the nearest branch directly to verify the matter.
Anyone who becomes a victim of cyber financial fraud should immediately report the incident by calling the Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 or through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at www.cybercrime.gov.in.
UNI DS
Tags: #Google searches for customer care can lead to cyber fraud# theft of money and personal data
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