Cyber Security Awareness: Complete Guide to Cyber Crimes, Frauds & Online Safety
Information and Communication Technology has become an integral part of our day-to-day life. From online banking, shopping, gaming, job searches, and social networking to business operations, the internet influences almost every aspect of modern living. However, this rapid digital transformation has also increased exposure to cyber threats, frauds, and online crimes.
A minor lapse in managing our digital life can open doors for cyber criminals, leading to financial loss, identity theft, harassment, and reputation damage. This comprehensive cyber security awareness guide explains common cyber crimes, their methods, and practical safety measures based strictly on official awareness documentation.
Importance of Cyber Security Awareness
90% of Cyber Attacks
Most attacks exploit lack of awareness, trust, and urgency to deceive individuals
Cyber security awareness is crucial because studies show that nearly 90% of cyber attacks occur due to human negligence. Cyber criminals exploit lack of awareness, trust, and urgency to deceive individuals into sharing confidential information.
Understanding cyber threats helps individuals stay alert while performing digital activities such as financial transactions, social media usage, gaming, or browsing.
To understand cyber security fundamentals, read our detailed guide: What is Cyber Security & How It Works
Social Engineering Frauds
CW / OTP Sharing Fraud
CW / OTP Sharing Fraud
Fake Bank Call
Claims KYC issue, ATM blocked, or Aadhaar linking required
Account Accessed
Fraudster sets MPIN using OTP
Victim Shares Info
Shares OTP, CVV, card number via call/SMS
Money Stolen
UPI/wallet transfer, unauthorized transactions
Banks NEVER ask for OTP, CVV, or PIN. Never share banking credentials via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.
Cyber criminals impersonate bank or RBI officials and claim that ATM cards are blocked, KYC is incomplete, or Aadhaar is not linked. Victims are tricked into sharing ATM details, CVV numbers, OTPs, or forwarding alphanumeric links, leading to unauthorized access to bank accounts.
- Banks never ask for OTP, CVV, or PIN.
- Never share banking credentials via calls, SMS, or WhatsApp.
- Never forward unknown links claiming to update KYC.
Related awareness: Complete Guide to OTP Security & Bypass Risks
UPI Request Money QR Code Fraud
UPI Request Money QR Code Fraud
Victim Scans QR
Thinking money is coming
MPIN Entered
Victim enters MPIN
Money Debited
Sent to fraudster
To receive money, MPIN is NOT required
MPIN is only required for sending money. Never scan QR codes from unknown sources.
Fraudsters send QR codes or links claiming to credit money via Google Pay, PhonePe, or Paytm. When scanned, money is debited instead of credited because the QR is a request-money code.
- Receiving money never requires MPIN.
- MPIN is required only for sending money.
- Never scan QR codes from unknown sources.
Learn how phishing works: How to Detect Phishing Links
Fraud Using Google Docs Forms
Google Docs Forms Fraud
Fake Link
Sent via email, SMS, or WhatsApp
Fake Form
Looks like official bank form
Details Stolen
ATM, UPI PIN, passwords collected
Fraud Committed
Account accessed & money stolen
Banks never collect confidential data via Google Forms
Never submit banking details on online forms. Official banks use secure portals, not public forms.
Fraudsters misuse Google Docs forms to collect sensitive information like ATM numbers, UPI PINs, and passwords by disguising them as refund or registration forms.
- Banks never collect confidential data via forms.
- Never submit banking details on online forms.
OLX & E-Commerce Platform Fraud
OLX & E-Commerce Platform Fraud
Fake Listing with Low Price
Attractive prices to lure buyers
Moves to WhatsApp
Asks to continue chat outside platform
Payment Link
Sends fake payment/refund link
Advance Payment
Asks for advance/processing fee
Account Drained
Money stolen, no product delivered
Legitimate buyers & sellers never ask for payment outside the platform. Never pay advance money without meeting in person.
Fake sellers or buyers post advertisements with attractive prices. Victims are asked to pay advance charges or scan QR codes, resulting in financial loss.
- Never pay advance money.
- Meet the seller physically before transactions.
Additional reading: Signs Your Phone May Be Hacked
SIM Card Swapping Fraud
SIM Card Swapping Fraud
Personal Info Collected
Through phishing or data leaks
SIM Deactivated
Victim loses network suddenly
Fake ID Used
To get duplicate SIM issued
Bank & UPI Access
OTPs intercepted, accounts drained
Sudden network loss may indicate SIM swap fraud
Contact operator immediately if network drops unexpectedly. Enable SMS and email banking alerts.
SIM swapping is identity theft where criminals issue a duplicate SIM for the victim’s number. This allows access to OTPs and bank accounts.
- Never share SIM numbers.
- Contact operator immediately if network drops unexpectedly.
- Enable SMS and email banking alerts.
Financial Frauds Using Social Media
Fake Social Media Accounts
Fake Social Media Accounts Fraud
Duplicate Profile
Copies friend's profile
Friend Request/DM
Contacts victim's friends
Emergency Story
Prize/help needed urgently
Money Lost
Victim transfers money
Verify Requests
Always verify through voice/video call
2FA Enabled
Enable two-factor authentication
Privacy Settings
Limit visibility to friends only
Fraudsters create duplicate profiles and request money from friends citing emergencies. Victims transfer money believing the request is genuine.
- Verify requests through calls.
- Enable two-factor authentication.
- Limit privacy to friends only.
Learn about social engineering tools: Social Engineering Toolkit Explained
Sextortion & Cyber Blackmail
Sextortion & Cyber Blackmail
Stranger Contact
Through social/dating apps
Video Call Request
With intimate suggestions
Secret Recording
Compromising screenshots taken
Avoid video calls with strangers
Do not share private images. Report immediately if blackmailed.
Victims are lured into video calls where compromising screenshots are recorded and used for blackmail.
- Avoid video calls with strangers.
- Do not share private images.
Other Major Cyber Crimes
Other Major Cyber Crimes
ATM/Debit Card Cloning
Skimmers and hidden cameras steal card data and PINs
✓ Cover keypad while entering PIN
✓ Inspect ATM for tampering
Ransomware Attacks
Encrypts files and demands payment for recovery
✓ Backup data regularly
✓ Don't open suspicious attachments
Juice Jacking
Data theft via public USB charging ports
✓ Disable data transfer while charging
✓ Use personal power banks
Online Job Frauds
Fake job portals demand registration/processing fees
✓ Never pay for job offers
✓ Apply via verified websites only
ATM / Debit Card Cloning
Skimmers and hidden cameras steal card data and PINs, enabling fraudulent withdrawals.
- Cover keypad while entering PIN.
- Inspect ATM machines for tampering.
Ransomware Attacks
Ransomware encrypts files and demands payment for recovery, often spread through phishing emails.
- Backup data regularly.
- Do not open suspicious attachments.
Advanced exploitation concepts: Metasploit Framework Introduction
Juice Jacking
Data theft occurs via public USB charging ports disguised as charging-only ports.
- Disable data transfer while charging.
- Use personal power banks.
Online Job Frauds
Fake job portals demand registration or processing fees without providing employment.
- Never pay for job offers.
- Apply only via verified websites.
Career awareness: How to Become an Ethical Hacker
Cyber Safety Tips for Children, Parents & Women
Cyber Safety Tips for Everyone
Keep Profiles Private
Limit personal information visibility
Avoid Sharing Details
Never share personal/financial info
Educate Children
Teach online risks and safe practices
Report Harassment
Immediately report to authorities
- Keep profiles private.
- Avoid sharing personal details.
- Educate children about online risks.
- Report harassment immediately.
How to Report Cyber Crime
How to Report Cyber Crime
Citizens can report cyber crimes online through official government portals
Local Police
Contact nearest cyber crime police station
Helpline Number
Call national cyber crime helpline
- National police helpline number is 112.
- National women helpline number is 181
- Cyber Crime Helpline is 1930
Stay Informed, Stay Alert, Protect Your Digital Identity
Citizens can report cyber crimes online through the official government portal or by contacting the nearest police station.
Stay informed, stay alert, and protect your digital identity.
For advanced mobile security awareness: Front Camera Hacking Explained
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