Business · India Bureau
Kerala Police warn public against financial scams using fraudulent customer service lines
Law enforcement authorities in Kerala have issued a public advisory cautioning residents against financial fraud schemes that exploit fake customer care numbers. The警告 comes as scammers increasingly impersonate legitimate service providers to extract money from unsuspecting victims.
LSN India ·
The Kerala Police Department has alerted the public to a growing wave of financial fraud involving counterfeit customer service hotlines. Cybercriminals are creating fake contact numbers that closely resemble those of banks, insurance companies, e-commerce platforms, and other financial institutions to deceive consumers into divulging sensitive information or transferring funds.
According to the advisory, fraudsters typically contact victims claiming to represent legitimate organizations and request personal details such as bank account numbers, credit card information, and one-time passwords. They may also pose as customer care representatives offering refunds or claiming unusual account activity to create a sense of urgency that bypasses rational decision-making.
The police have urged residents to exercise caution when responding to unsolicited calls or messages requesting financial information. Authorities recommend verifying the authenticity of any customer service contact by independently dialing official numbers listed on bank statements, company websites, or official documentation rather than using numbers provided by callers.
Residents who suspect they have fallen victim to such fraud are advised to immediately contact their respective banks and file complaints with local police stations or through the cybercrime portal. The advisory reinforces that legitimate customer service representatives will never request passwords, complete card details, or ask customers to transfer money to verify accounts or process refunds.