Curated By: Business Desk
Last Updated: February 29, 2024, 16:17 IST
Fake web sites additionally cost some huge cash for making passports.
The modus operandi of cybercriminals for targetting passport candidates consists of making a faux area identify for the passport’s web site which is sort of much like the unique identify.
India has been grappling with a surge in cybercrimes, with perpetrators now concentrating on unsuspecting passport candidates. Cases of such crimes have surfaced notably in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh, prompting Regional Passport Officer Anuj Swarup to problem a cautionary enchantment. Swarup emphasised that the only authorised platform for passport purposes is https://www.passportindia.gov.in, urging candidates to completely use this web site. The Ghaziabad Passport Seva Kendra, answerable for processing passports from 14 districts in Western Uttar Pradesh, witnesses roughly 2200 purposes every day.
Cybercriminals have adopted a modus operandi involving the creation of faux domains intently resembling the official passport web site. These misleading domains embrace variations equivalent to India Passport, Online Passport India, Passport India Portal, Passport India, Passport Seva and Apply Passport, amongst others. Unsuspecting candidates, unaware of the excellence between authentic and fraudulent web sites, fall prey to those techniques. Upon making use of by way of deceptive portals, fraudsters acquire entry to candidates’ particulars, resulting in important monetary fraud.
To establish these misleading web sites, candidates have to be vigilant. Genuine passport utility portals cost a nominal price of Rs 1500, whereas fraudulent websites levy exorbitant fees starting from Rs 4000 to Rs 5000 for a similar service. Moreover, authentic web sites present candidates with login IDs and passwords, facilitating appointment rescheduling freed from cost. In distinction, fraudulent portals demand further charges starting from Rs 2000 to Rs 3000 for rescheduling, inflicting pointless monetary loss and inconvenience to candidates.
Awareness campaigns and schooling initiatives are essential in empowering people to discern between genuine and counterfeit web sites. Some people choose to hunt help from cybercafes, leveraging their experience to navigate the complexities of on-line passport purposes. However, many stay weak resulting from a lack of information about distinguishing between real and fraudulent web sites, making them inclined to monetary scams.
As cybercrimes proceed to evolve and goal varied sectors, vigilance and consciousness are paramount to safeguarding people from falling sufferer to fraudulent actions. Authorities should intensify efforts to coach the general public about on-line safety practices and the significance of verifying the authenticity of internet sites earlier than sharing private data.
