Heed warnings, otherwise Con Banega Crorepati

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Beware is the buzzword as cons seek to make capital of the festive season. The warning comes from none other than the Mumbai police cybercrime department which is urging people not to fall for frauds disguised as ‘lucky draws' in the festive season.

The cops have warned that fakes are sending beguiling, too good to be true offers to people as Diwali is upon us. They send scratch cards and letters with names of well-known e-commerce firms, telling people they have won prizes. Scratch and win, you are chosen… are just some of the punchlines that are a lead in, straight into what could be a trap.

The initial excitement is followed by instructions that one should deposit so and so amount in an account to ‘claim' the prize.

It is at the very beginning that one should start questioning. Why exactly have I won a prize? Who gives prizes of these huge amounts for nothing at all? If I have not participated in a lucky draw then how can I win it? I have read and heard about a spike in cybercrime, especially, in these days where mobility is relatively restricted and much of our work, in fact our world, has become much more virtual. Could this be one of those traps?

A bit of questioning in the mind, talking to a well-informed person, an online search with cyber frauds may point to a pattern and set the alarm bells pealing. Even if you mistakenly believe initially that you are the winner, do think which lucky draw asks you to deposit amounts to collect prizes? Some patience, thought, double checking and a healthy dash of scepticism must bring up substantial red flags. To ignore these doubts at the back of your mind in excitement will be injudicious and perilous to bank balance as well as peace of mind. Have a fraud-free festive season.