Be wary of video calls from unknown number, cybercrooks may be on to you

Recently, ACB Inspector Dayanand picked up a video call he received at night by an unknown number. Not only was he shown explicit content but was also blackmailed to pay Rs 11,000. This is a new tactic used by cybercriminals where they video call unsuspecting people who, when pick up video calls see the explicit content and then a screenshot or video of them is taken. Using the screenshot, they are blackmailed into shelling money.

Bengaluru: If you get video calls at night by unknown numbers be very careful. It may be cybercrooks trying to break in on your phone or worse, trying to dupe you of money.

Recently, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Karnataka Inspector Dayanand picked up a video call he received at night by an unknown number. Not only was he shown explicit content but was also blackmailed to pay Rs 11,000.

The same incident happened with a newspaper journalist.

This is a new tactic used by cybercriminals where they video call unsuspecting people who, when pick up video calls see the explicit content and then a screenshot or video of them is taken.

Using the screenshot, they are blackmailed into shelling money by threatening that their screenshot would be made public.

To avoid falling into such traps by cybercriminals, Shubhamgala, a cyber expert suggests that people should refrain from answering any call by unknown numbers.

Accounts of friends or anonymous people who have been introduced online must be verified. Users should be careful when sending personal account information, images or videos on social networking sites.

Often these things are used to blackmail or are being sold on the dark web by cybercriminals who make money out of it.

Experts also warn against adding and indulging with unknown people on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.