Cyber scams are wreaking havoc all over with their prying clutches, unleashing terror in the virtual world. Worse, most of the time, the consequences of the attack could take a toll on both the finances and a person’s reputation. However, proactive vigilance on cyber red flags could help to thwart the attacks to some extent. The blog here offers a pro guide on the top cyber scams to be aware of in 2024, such as deepfake scams, fake online store scams, banking scams, and more. The blog finally wraps up with a compact discussion on the safety tips as well.

1. Cyberscam Hitlist: Most Alarming Cyber
Scams Of 2024
Introduction
Cybercrime has become a pervasive threat, with cyber scams evolving
and targeting unsuspecting individuals across various platforms.
According to recent statistics, cyber scams and frauds are on the rise,
with an increasing number of individuals falling victim to online treachery
each year. As such, it is crucial to be mindful and proactive in protecting
oneself against these threats. In this blog, we will discuss the different
types of cyber scams to be aware of this year and provide safety tips to
safeguard against them.
Growing Threats of Cyber Scams in India
Let’s look at the alarming data that triggers the concern for rising cyber
scams in India:
• In 2023, India witnessed a cybercrime rate of 129 incidents per lakh
population.
• Among Indian states and territories, Delhi recorded the highest rate at
755 incidents, trailed by Haryana at 381, and Telangana at 261.

2. • It is also noted that in 2023, India ranked as the 80th most targeted
country globally for cybercrimes, with local threats targeting nearly
34% of users.
• Notably, financial fraud emerged as the most prevalent form of
cybercrime, constituting 64.8% of reported incidents in India.
These figures underscore the persistent challenges posed by cyber threats
and the pressing need for robust cybersecurity measures nationwide.
Types Of Cyber Scams to Be Aware of This Year
Phishing:
Phishing attempts still top the list of most prominent cyberscams. It
involves fraudulent communication initiated via text or email, where
scammers impersonate legitimate entities to extract personal or financial
information.
To protect against phishing scams, one should be cautious of urgent
messages prompting clicks on suspicious links or unknown attachments.
Deepfake Scams:
Deepfake frauds are claiming the cyber scams news, unleashing
miscommunication and fake rumours all over.
Scammers are abusing this AI-powered technology to create highly
realistic but entirely fabricated audio and video content. These scams

3. often involve impersonating individuals, including public figures or
acquaintances, to spread misinformation or manipulate others for
financial gain. Any potentially manipulated media content, especially in
online interactions or social media platforms, can be considered a
deepfake scam.
Fake Online Stores:
If you’re buying products from every online portal just because it looks
fancy, probably that is the biggest mistake you’re committing. Authentic
brands do not sell anywhere and everywhere. This is where the scammers
are taking advantage to create counterfeit online storefronts offering
enticing discounts to attract unsuspecting shoppers.
To avoid falling victim to fake online stores, individuals should be alert to
suspiciously low-priced items, especially on social media platforms.
Banking Scams:
Cybercriminals employ various tactics, including malware attacks, to gain
unauthorised access to individuals’ bank accounts.
To protect against banking scams, it is essential to avoid accessing
sensitive financial information on public Wi-Fi networks and to monitor
accounts for unusual activity.
Impersonation Scams:
Scammers may impersonate trusted individuals, such as family members
or employers, to manipulate victims into providing financial assistance.
This may include smishing, whaling, and clone phishing as some of the
various types of fraudulence.
To prevent impersonation scams, individuals should verify the legitimacy
of unexpected requests for money or personal information before taking
any action.
Online Dating and Romance Scams:
With the rise of online dating culture, romance scammers exploit
emotional connections to deceive victims into providing money or
personal data.
To avoid falling victim to online dating scams, individuals should exercise
caution when interacting with unfamiliar individuals online. Dating site
users should also be wary of requests for financial assistance.

4. Safety Tips
Recognise The Red Flags:
Be alert to indicators of potential scams, such as offers or prizes that
seem too good to be true. Be mindful if you come across requests for
personal or financial information and unusual payment methods. You
should also look for poor grammar or spelling in communications and
discrepancies in personal details provided by purported companies or
individuals.
Respond to Suspicious Activity:
If you encounter suspicious activity, don’t delay to launch a cyber crime
complaint online.
Report it to the most trusted Indian Government authorities, such as
the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (NCRP). Monitor financial
accounts for unauthorised transactions and report any suspicious activity
to your bank or relevant financial organisation.
Take Preventative Measures:
To protect yourself from cyber scams, verify the legitimacy of websites
before making online purchases. Also, exercise caution when interacting
with unknown texts, emails, or advertisements.
Remember to refuse remote access requests from unfamiliar individuals
or entities offering technical support services.

5. Conclusion
Cyber scams pose a significant threat to individuals’ financial security and
personal information. By being aware of the types of scams prevalent this
year and following safety tips as mentioned above – you can minimise
your risk of falling victim to online fraud. Nonetheless, investing in
a cyber security training course online can further enhance your
ability to protect against cyber scams and fraud.