Stay Alert! Fake Paytm Site Claims to Give Users Cashback Worth Rs.2,647
With the increase of financial services and online payment platforms, online fraud and cyber attacks have come along with it. Online fraud has seen a spike in this Covid-19 pandemic as digital payments platform has taken a center stage. During the pandemic, people are heavily relying on online payment.
One such recent example is Paytm, one of India’s widely used digital payments platforms. The latest Paytm online scam promises users to give a cashback of Rs.2,647. Vijay Shekhar, CEO of Paytm has alerted the users of such frauds. The latest online scam sends the notification to the users from the fake website, identical to Paytm, claiming they have won a Paytm Scratch Card. The notification reads as ‘Congratulations, You have won Paytm Scratch Card’, which redirects the users to a phishing site called paytm-cashoffer.com.
Because of the identical design and pattern of the real Paytm site, it is difficult for users to assume that they have been conned. Unfortunately, many are falling for this scam. Once you have clicked on the notification claiming the cashback of Rs.2,647, you will be asked to send the rewards to the original Paytm account. After you click on the ‘Send’ button, you will be redirected to the original Paytm app where you will be asked to ‘pay’ the same amount. It is the ‘Pay’ button and not the one that claims ‘cashback rewards’ to Paytm account. Once you click on the ‘Pay’ button, the amount will be deducted from your Paytm wallet/account.
How can users report cyber fraud on Paytm?
- The first step is to open the Paytm app on your smartphone.
- Then, there is an option ‘24×7 Help and Support, click on it.
- After that, select the ‘Report Fraud Transactions’ option from the section ‘Choose a service to begin’.
- Then select an issue- Fraud on Paytm Debit Card, Fraud transaction on Paytm wallet, Report a phishing site or link, etc.
- After that, share the details with the authorities at Paytm to take the desired action.
Vijay Shekhar also warned the users to stay away from this online trap. He tweeted that it’s a fraud call if somebody asks you to scan the QR code sent in Whatsapp to receive money. Paytm has also urged users to use only trustworthy QR codes and avoid public ones.