Just Dial accused of selling user data for mere Rs 15000 to fake Gurugram-based call centres
The cybercrime unit of the Haryana Police has uncovered data theft allegedly perpetrated by data provider agencies like Just Dial. They have been accused of selling information about people to fake call centre operators. Data like personal details and phone numbers were allegedly sold without verification, which led to around 150 people being cheated of lakhs of rupees by fraudsters on the pretext of insurance policy renewal.
FollowIn the era of digital payments, cybercrime and privacy violations have emerged as one of the biggest threats to customers. It has now emerged that even data providers have allegedly been selling people's data for a few thousand rupees. The cybercrime unit of the Haryana Police has uncovered data theft allegedly perpetrated by data provider agencies like Just Dial. They have been accused of selling information about people to fake call centre operators.
Also Read: Patent for Potato flakes energy bar given to Allahabad University
Data like personal details and phone numbers were allegedly sold without verification, which led to around 150 people being cheated of lakhs of rupees by fraudsters on the pretext of insurance policy renewal.
The role of the data provider agencies came to light after the Gurugram Police nabbed two people who were running a fraudulent call centre for insurance renewals. The arrest came following a complaint lodged by a woman who claimed that some unknown caller had duped her of Rs 50,000 on the pretext of getting her insured.
The modus operandi
According to the police, data provider agencies have access to information like user's name, address, email, phone numbers and online interests. By fraudulently selling this information for crores, some unscrupulous data service providers have been violating people's privacy and making them vulnerable to cyber fraud.
ACP-Crime Preet Pal Singh Sangwan reportedly named Just Dial as one such errant data service provider that had sold user data for mere Rs 15,000. Police sources said that a notice would be sent to Just Dial in this regard.
Even as the probe into the insurance fraud was being conducted, another fake call centre scam was busted by the Cyber Crime wing of Delhi Police last week. Eight people, including three people, were arrested in the racket, which duped around 100-odd people to the tune of Rs 30 lakh on the pretext of providing them with jobs.
The probe revealed that the call centre had been operating for two years and that user data was purchased from a data provider to target individuals.
Advisory from police
The police have time and again been advising people to remain cautious about such fraudulent activity. Among the key things to take note of are:
* Don't click on any link that comes to you via SMS or WhatsApp
* Ignore SMS messages asking for KYC or call on numbers given in those SMSes.
* Don't put money in PayTM or bank accounts given in messages that come via phone, SMS or WhatsApp.
* Don't use the Request Money link while making purchases via OLX or any online shopping app.
* Don't share your ATM pin and CVV number with anyone. Keep changing online banking passwords.
* Avoid using the customer care numbers that show up on Google Search.
* If you receive a message stating that your power connection will be cut, do not call on the number received in the SMS. Instead, visit the nearest electricity office to confirm.
Also Read: Har Ghar Tiranga: Tricolour sales skyrocket; wholesale traders struggling to keep up with demand
Also Read: Railway pantry staff allegedly throws man out of moving train for argument over water bottle
