Beware of ‘Bhai’ Trick: How to Avoid Falling Victim to iPhone 14 Scam on Instagram
India is increasingly vulnerable to cybercriminals who manipulate virtual numbers with the +92 country code, commonly linked to Pakistan, to engage in fraudulent behavior. A fresh online scam has emerged, involving scammers posing as the infamous ‘Bhai’ from Dubai, luring unsuspecting individuals with enticing offers such as a complimentary iPhone 14. Unfortunately, Virag Doshi, a 24-year-old entrepreneur from Ahmedabad, became a victim of this deceptive plot.
The rising trend of using virtual numbers
It all started when Doshi received a message on his Instagram account claiming to have won a free iPhone 14 from “Bade Bhai and Chhote Bhai”. He wanted to get his hands on the expensive device and paid a small fee of ₹3,000 as instructed by UPI. Soon after, he received a call from country code +92 where the caller identified himself as ‘Bade Bhai’ from Dubai, confirmed the prize and claimed it was ready for delivery, TOI reported.
Elated by the news, Doshi eagerly awaited the arrival of the iPhone 14, but things took an alarming turn when someone named “Sanjay Sharma” called him and asked for an additional ₹8,000 for delivery. Naively trusting the scammer, he paid the amount, only to find that he never received the promised gifts.
The consequences and widespread nature of the scam
A devastating discovery soon followed – a whopping ₹6.76 lakh had been debited from Doshi’s bank account between April 18 and May 7. Scammers had drained his account, leaving him devastated.
A call to alertness and awareness
Dhandhuka police inspector P N Zinzuwadia revealed that Doshi had unknowingly transferred the money to the scammers, unaware of the large sums involved. Fraudsters used virtual numbers for their fraudulent activities.
This alarming trend of virtual number fraud is not only limited to India but has also spread elsewhere causing concern among law enforcement agencies. The CID (crime) cyber cell has reported a number of similar incidents nationwide where fraudsters pose at a reputed shop in Dubai as ‘Bade Bhai and Chhote Bhai’ to lure victims with free or discounted iPhones.
Here are 3 apps that can help you stay vigilant against online scams
1. Intro by CERT-In In (Indian Computer Emergency Response Team).
This app provides real-time alerts about online scams and phishing attacks. It also has a database of known scam sites and phone numbers.
2. National Cyber Security Awareness Program (NCSAP) – mSafe
This app helps you stay safe online by providing information about cyber security threats and tips on how to protect yourself. It also has a panic button that lets you alert the authorities if you’re being harassed online.
3. Google anti-phishing app
This app helps you identify and avoid phishing sites. It works by scanning websites for known phishing patterns.
In addition to these apps, you can also stay safe online by following these tips:
1. Be careful about what information you share online. Do not share your personal information, such as your phone number, email address, or bank account information, with strangers.
2. Be suspicious of emails and text messages that ask for your personal information. These emails and text messages may be from scammers trying to steal your information.
3. Download apps only from trusted sources. Do not download apps from third-party websites or app stores.
4. Keep your software up to date. Software updates often include security fixes that can help protect you from malware and other threats.
5. Never believe the claims of free gifts by strangers and never make online payments to them without checking their eligibility properly.
In order to combat cybercrime, it is very important that people remain alert and cautious when dealing with unknown phone calls and offers. Awareness and informed decisions are essential to protect yourself from becoming a victim of such fraudulent schemes. By following these tips, you can protect yourself from online scams.
