Scammers have adopted a novel method to swindle internet users by sending emails that falsely appear as official court orders, the government has warned. This latest scam aims to scare recipients into complying with fraudulent demands, including payments and personal information sharing.
According to a recent advisory from the government’s Press Information Bureau (PIB), these emails fabricate claims that the recipient has been involved in illegal online activities. The scam messages purport to be from high-authority entities like the Indian Intelligence Bureau and warn of impending legal actions if the recipient fails to respond.
Received a similar email related to a court order against your internet IP traffic ⁉️
⚠️Be cautious#PIBFactCheck
▶️This email is #Fake
▶️Lodge your cybercrime-related complaints here
🔗https://t.co/3ROioPMaaZ pic.twitter.com/IUJ62JiSj4— PIB Fact Check (@PIBFactCheck) December 26, 2024
The Nature of the Scam Emails
The fraudulent emails contain allegations of inappropriate internet usage and threaten legal consequences. They often demand immediate action, such as contacting a specified lawyer or paying a fine, to avoid court appearances or harsher penalties. To add a layer of authenticity, these emails might even include fake signatures from non-existent officials or legal representatives.
Government’s Response and Advice
The PIB has debunked these emails as complete fabrications designed to exploit unsuspecting individuals. Official notifications concerning legal matters are never issued through unsolicited emails and always follow a formal and verifiable process.
Authorities have urged the public not to panic upon receiving such emails. Instead, users should avoid clicking on any links or providing any personal information. The government also recommends reporting these incidents to India’s official cybercrime reporting portal to help track and stop these digital fraudsters.
What to Do If You Receive Such an Email
1. Do Not Panic: Recognize that it is an attempt to intimidate and deceive.
2. Do Not Click Any Links: Avoid interacting with the email to prevent malware risks or further scams.
3. Report the Email: Submit details to the cybercrime.gov.in, which helps authorities track and mitigate these scams.
By staying alert and informed, users can protect themselves from falling victim to these sophisticated cyber scams that prey on fear and misinformation.
