SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police have issued a public advisory warning citizens against fake and suspicious social media advertisements being used by cybercriminals to steal money, personal data and identities.
The police said scammers were using sponsored posts on major social media platforms to promote deceptive offers, including free gifts worth Rs 10,000, steep discounts and easy returns, often accompanied by urgent messages and links from unknown or suspicious accounts.
According to the advisory, fraudsters also impersonate established brands and use fake logos or purported celebrity endorsements to make the advertisements appear genuine. Victims may be directed to fraudulent links and persuaded to disclose sensitive personal or financial information, including one-time passwords.
Police have advised people to verify the source of online advertisements, scrutinise offers that appear too good to be true and avoid sharing banking or other sensitive information. Citizens have also been urged to think carefully before clicking on unfamiliar links and report suspicious advertisements or accounts.
Those who fall victim to cyber fraud should immediately contact the national cybercrime helpline on 1930 or lodge a complaint through cybercrime.gov.in.
