'USSD CODE' a new weapon for cyber fraud

With the passage of time, cyber fraudsters have turned hi-tech and are implementing new methods to lure unsuspecting customers. A technique using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code has turned into a new weapon for cyberfraud.

Raipur (Chhattisgarh): Cyber fraudsters are now resorting to tricking people using Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) code wherein people unknowingly clicking the code on their mobile leads to their WhatsApp and Facebook being hacked. Cybercriminals then misuse the data and demand money from people.

In India, thugs from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh, Jamtara in Jharkhand, Haryana and Delhi have been targeting people using USSD codes. Several people have been cheated in Raipur alone in this manner.

The modus operandi of the accused is that they ask people to install the code such that they can experience better network speeds. Once, the code is installed immediately the social media accounts of the victims get hacked and posts demanding Rs 50,000 to 60,000 in the name of emergency is generated.

According to cyber ​​expert Mohit Sahu, there has been a rise witnessed in these kinds of cybercrimes. He says that cyber thugs call customers and make them believe that they are mobile operators who are trying to resolve their mobile network speed. They further say that the issue can be resolved only by entering a USSD code. Once the customer enters a USSD code then their devices become vulnerable to cyber-attacks.

In order to stay safe from such frauds

• Do not give your phone to an unknown person.

• Do not click on unknown links or codes.

• Do not dial an unknown number by putting a star or hash.