The Tamil Nadu police’s cybercrime wing successfully identified and busted a fake National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) that was developed by individuals from Hong Kong. The cyber patrolling unit, which is tasked with monitoring cyberspace for fake websites and fraudsters targeting unsuspecting victims, came across the fraudulent NCRP website – https://infaulwnmx.cyou/.

Upon further investigation, it was discovered that the website had a malicious setting that would display a full-screen message with a voice-over claiming that the user’s computer had been blocked due to viewing pornographic content. The scammers then demanded a fine of Rs 30,290 under IPC/BNS sections, prompting users to make payments using credit cards. These details were then captured by the fraudsters to steal money from unsuspecting victims.

Swift action was taken by the cybercrime unit, and a notice was issued under the IT Act 2021 to the domain registrar in Hong Kong, China, to block the fake website. The illegal NCRP website was promptly taken down to prevent further harm to innocent internet users.

A cybercrime police officer highlighted the importance of cyber patrolling in detecting and preventing cybercrimes. By actively monitoring the internet for harmful and illegal activities, cyber patrolling helps to identify and stop cybercriminals in their tracks, creating a safer online environment for everyone.

In light of this incident, the authorities have issued an advisory to citizens to stay vigilant while browsing the internet. Some key tips to protect yourself from falling victim to online scams include checking the website URL for authenticity, verifying HTTPS protocols for secure data transmission, checking for spelling errors in website addresses, being cautious of pop-up messages, avoiding clicking on suspicious ads, and exercising caution when entering sensitive financial information online.

It is essential for internet users to remain informed and alert to the risks of cybercrime, as scammers and fraudsters continue to devise sophisticated tactics to deceive unsuspecting victims. By following these simple guidelines and staying informed about the latest online threats, individuals can protect themselves from falling prey to cybercriminals and safeguard their personal information and financial assets.

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