WHAT IS MODUS OPERANDI?
In general, modus operandi is the method used by any criminal for the successful attempt of a crime. At a minimum, every Modus Operandi will contain three basic elements namely:
- Ensure success of the crime;
- Protect identity; and
- Facilitate effective escape
I . MODUS OPERANDI FOR SMS FRAUD
SMS FRAUD - SMS Phishing [SMISHING]
Smishing is a portmanteau of "SMS" (short message services, better known as texting) and "phishing." When cybercriminals "phish," they send fraudulent emails that seek to trick the recipient into opening a malware-laden attachment or clicking on a malicious link. Smishing simply uses text messages instead of email.
SBI Account Fake SMS's - Govt, Press Information Bureau (PIB) put out a warning last week to State Bank of India (SBI) customers not to reply to fake SMS alerts which were requesting their personal and banking information, promising to unblock their accounts.
II. HOW TO TAKE PRECAUTIONS?
1. NEVER CLICK OR TAP THE LINKS OF UNKNOWN MESSAGES
2. NEVER REPLY TO THE UNKNOWN MESSAGE.
3. FRAUD SMS GENERALLY COMES FROM THE NUMBER LIKE “5000” , SCAMMERS, USE THESE NUMBER TO HIDE THEIR IDENTITIES.
4. MESSAGES LIKE “DEAR USER, YOU HAVE WON…” ARE THE CLEAR SIGN OF A SMISHING TEXT.
III. HOW TO FILE A CYBER CRIME COMPLAINT
1. OFFLINE MODE : You can lodge a complaint at your nearest cyber cell unit.
Google to search “SP Cyber Cell <<your city>>”
2. ONLINE MODE :The online portal where a victim can file a cyber crime complaint is https://cyber crime.gov.in/Accept.aspx, an initiative of Government of India that caters to complaints pertaining to the online Child Pornography (CP), Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) or sexually explicit content such as Rape/Gang Rape (CP/RGR) content and other cyber crimes such as social media crimes, online financial frauds, ransomware, hacking, cryptocurrency crimes, and online cyber trafficking. The portal also provides an option of reporting an anonymous complaint about reporting Child Pornography (CP) or sexually explicit content such as Rape/Gang Rape (RGR) content. One can follow below-mentioned steps to report a cyber crime online -
STEP 1: Go to https://cyber crime.gov.in/Accept.aspx or Dial 1930
STEP 2: Click on ‘Report other cyber crimes’ on the menu.
STEP 3: Click on ‘File a Complaint’.
STEP 4: Read the conditions and accept them.
STEP 5: Register your mobile number and fill in your name and State.
STEP 6: Fill in the relevant details about the offence.
Note: You can also report the offence anonymously.
