RBI Fraud Alert
By MYBRANDBOOK
A latest type of frauding of its kind using the Unified Payment Interface (UPI) platform is grooming through online platform and The Reserve Reserve Bank of India has cautioned all banks and payment system operators about a new modus operandi allegedly used by scammers to target customer phones.
In an alert dated February 14, the cyber security and IT examination cell of the central bank said that a mobile application called ‘AnyDesk’ was allegedly being used by fraudsters to access data on mobile devices. Once the app is installed on customer phones, it seeks permission to access controls of the phone, like all other applications. After downloading this app, your bank account may become empty within minutes. Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a warning in this regard. "AnyDesk" is a software that can do transactions from your bank account through your mobile or laptop.
However, when the permission is granted by a user, AnyDesk app allegedly steals confidential data on the phone to carry out fraudulent transactions through other payments app available on the phone.
Reports say the RBI alert also applies to all other forms of mobile payments, not just the UPI.
“An app code (nine-digit number) would be generated and once the fraudster inserts this code, he would ask the victim to grant permission. Post this, the fraudster will get full access to the victim’s device,” the circular read. The app then allegedly proceeds to steal confidential data on the phone to carry out fraudulent transactions via other payments apps.
Once downloaded, "AnyDesk" generates a 9-digit app code on the user's device and calls the cybercriminals and asks the user for the code in the name of the bank.
In its alert, the RBI said that it had sent out a similar advisory on January 10. Officials say the circular was originally issued by National Payments Commission of India (NPCI) to ensure that genuine makers of payments applications put some controls on the kind of data they access on customer phones. Data on the NPCI website shows that between April 2018 and January 2019, the UPI platform saw 388 crore transactions worth over Rs 6.4 lakh crore.
RBI notice said it had sent a similar advisory last month.
How To Avoid This Fraud?
The only way to stop this fraud from taking place is don’t download AnyDesk app. Incase the app is downloaded, then immediately uninstall it, and perform a thorough security check of your mobile phone.
The advisory by RBI mentions the fact that besides UPI, other forms of digital transactions can be also used for this fraud.
Last week, SBI had issued official guidelines on how to avoid and present ATM Card scam.
We will keep you updated, as more details come in.
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