Phishing in Kolkata: How It Works & How to Stay Safe

Quick summary

• •How it works: A fake website or link mimics a trusted brand to steal your login or card details.
• •Warning sign: Misspelled or odd URL
• •Warning sign: Shortened link (bit.ly) in an "official" message
• •Warning sign: Urgent call to "verify" details
• •Do this: Check the exact domain before logging in

How the phishing works

• —A fake website or link mimics a trusted brand to steal your login or card details.
• —Reports involving Kolkata follow the same pattern; the brand or location only changes the disguise.

Warning signs

• —Misspelled or odd URL
• —Shortened link (bit.ly) in an "official" message
• —Urgent call to "verify" details

How to protect yourself

• —Check the exact domain before logging in
• —Type the website yourself instead of tapping links
• —Enable 2-factor authentication

What to do if you are targeted

• —Stop — do not pay or share any OTP/PIN.
• —Call the cyber-fraud helpline 1930 within the golden hour.
• —File a report at cybercrime.gov.in with screenshots and transaction details.
• —Inform your bank to freeze/raise a dispute on the transaction.

Scam vs. legitimate: how to tell

Frequently asked questions

Official sources & helplines

• Cyber Crime Helpline 1930 — National cyber-fraud financial helpline — call within the "golden hour" to freeze fraudulent transfers.
• National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal — Official Government of India portal to report financial and other cybercrimes.
• DoT Sanchar Saathi (Chakshu) — Report suspected fraud communication (calls/SMS) and block lost/stolen mobiles.