IRCTC warns passengers about ticket refund scams, learn how to protect yourself
The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) has issued a warning to users about a new ticket refund scam. The alert is intended to protect users from being tricked by fraudsters posing as ticket refund helpers. The caution comes as a response to an increase in online financial scams that exploit Google ads to deceive users.
Here is what IRCTC said in the warning
IRCTC stressed that it never asks for personal banking details or asks users to install remote control apps. The CyberDost handle of the Department of Telecommunications, which is managed by the Home Office, echoed this warning on X (formerly Twitter). CyberDost’s message stated, “IRCTC never asks for personal bank details or installs remote control apps. Beware of scams through Google ads claiming IRCTC credit!”
X’s official message clarified, “Indian Railway, IRCTC or its employees will never call you on your phone for refunds and will never ask for personal banking details like debit/credit card number, OTP, ATM PIN, CVV number, PAN- number. number or date of birth. Also, IRCTC never asks users to install remote control apps like Anydesk or Teamviewer on mobile devices, laptops or desktops.”
Steps to combat fraud and fake app alerts
In light of these scams, IRCTC has given clear instructions to users to protect themselves. People are advised to register cyber crime complaints on the official website https://cybercrime.gov.in. For online financial fraud, users can call 1930 for help.
Apart from the ticket refund scam, IRCTC has also warned users about a fake app campaign targeting Android smartphone users. The company reports that scammers are spreading phishing links prompting users to download the fake “IRCTC Rail Connect” app. The purpose of this campaign is to trick users into fraudulent activities.
X’s warning message stated, “Dear customer, it has been reported that there is a malicious and fake mobile app campaign going on where some fraudsters are sending phishing links on a mass scale and asking users to download the fake IRCTC Rail Connect mobile app to trick common citizens into fraudulent activities.”
To protect against these threats, IRCTC advises users to download the official IRCTC app only from authorized app stores like Google Play Store and Apple App Store. Users should avoid clicking on suspicious links or replying to messages directing them to download applications through the provided links.
IRCTC’s warnings emphasize the importance of vigilance and caution when dealing with online interactions and advertisements. By following the provided instructions and being wary of unsolicited requests for personal information, users can better protect themselves from falling victim to these scams.
