There is a new SMS scam that targets customers Vodafone Idea (VI) throughout India.
SMS Scam is around Ekyc from the customer’s Vodafone IDE that threatens people to submit documents to verify eKyc by referring to certain numbers within 24 hours of receipt of the message to avoid termination of services.
Note that this message was officially sent by the company and was being distributed by scammers to get personal data to commit financial fraud later on.
“Dear customers, Vodafone SIM E-KYC is waiting for a document.
Call Helpline Vodafone No.
786xxxxx immediately.
Your cellphone no.
Will be stopped 24 hours,” Read scam messages.
The purpose of this message is to scare users to disclose personal details such as email emails, contact numbers, addresses, aadhaar details, photos, etc.
The details can be used to commit other fraud and even target the victim’s online banking account.
Usually, fraud like this is done in two stages, where personal data is collected separately for ultimately making personalized phishing messages to harvest online banking details, social media passwords, etc.
Cellular users are advised not to respond to messages like this or disclose personal information to anyone through a call.
If you need help, always visit the official store or contact the valid customer service telephone number for support.
In May, CEO of Airtel Gopal Vittal warned the company’s customers about the increase in cyber fraud amid a massive surge in online transactions during the second wave of pandemic.
He at the same time confirms that the company works “nonstop” and comes out with safety features to ensure customers are not victims of this fraud.
Vittal said that there were several examples of fraudsters who called customers pretending to be an airtel employee and cheated them.
If this happens, call 121.
It includes ekyc, OTP or other fraud.
“Actually, I would say when doubtfully called 121,” Vittal said in the letter.