DGP cautions Odisha residents in opposition to cyber crimes

By Express News Service
BHUBANESWAR :  At a time when social media is flooded with Covid SOS, Odisha Police on Thursday cautioned residents in opposition to fraudsters who’re duping folks on the pretext of extending help through the pandemic. Issuing an advisory at a press briefing, DGP Abhay mentioned cyber criminals could defraud residents by means of cellphone calls, e-mails and social media platforms and steal private particulars on the pretext of registration for Covid vaccination, provide of oxygen and medicines, telemedicine service and charity.

“Various information and advertisements are being shared by fraudsters claiming that they are doing registrations for vaccination. However, the citizens can apply for vaccination only through CoWIN portal, Aarogya Setu and UMANG mobile apps. No other website or app is authorised to provide bookings for vaccination,” he mentioned and requested the residents to not belief such malicious platforms providing registration.

Several organisations have entered the web market to sale medicines and oxygen, however most of them are frauds and demanding pre-payment from the shoppers. “Many people are coming forward on social media promising to provide medicines whose supply is scarce in the markets. Police across the country have found out that many fake medicines have been delivered to the citizens,” he added.

Abhay suggested the residents to order medicines solely from registered and licenced sellers within the nation.“Telemedicine service has also started during the pandemic. The government agencies and NGOs are offering such services free of cost. But some fraudsters have started providing these services on payment basis and the citizens should verify about such persons,” he suggested.