In today’s world, it’s increasingly common to hear about individuals falling victim to scams within our own circles. What used to be distant tales now hit close to home. Many have experienced receiving unexpected calls from individuals posing as authorities or bank representatives, resulting in financial losses. These scammers exploit our trust, fear, and minor oversights.
Typically, the scam begins with a phone call, often from someone claiming to be a police officer alleging involvement in a crime. They create a sense of urgency, requesting personal information to resolve the situation. In other instances, they pose as bank fraud department personnel, threatening to freeze accounts unless recipients share one-time passwords sent to their phones. Once obtained, scammers gain control over accounts, enabling them to impersonate victims and solicit money from their contacts. This cycle perpetuates the scam, spreading from one individual to another.
Reports have emerged of entire communities in foreign countries engaging in organized scamming operations. Call centers in nations like India and China allegedly employ workers to defraud unsuspecting individuals worldwide. The possibility of such fraudulent activities taking root in Bangladesh raises concerns. Swift action by authorities to dismantle these operations is crucial, not only to safeguard individuals but also to protect national security.
Beyond phone scams, phishing attacks have become pervasive. Fake emails and texts mimicking reputable entities like banks or government offices aim to deceive recipients. Fraudulent websites, disguised as legitimate platforms, lure users into divulging sensitive information such as passwords and bank details. Various scams exploit human traits like greed or desperation, such as Ponzi schemes promising unrealistic returns or fake job offers preying on job seekers.
Unwittingly, individuals expose themselves to risks by installing unverified apps, clicking suspicious links, or sharing personal information online. Routine actions like participating in social media quizzes may inadvertently disclose security details used in verification processes. Vigilance and simple precautions, such as creating strong passwords, implementing two-factor authentication, and refraining from sharing OTPs, can bolster defenses against scams.
While scams persist, individuals can mitigate risks by remaining vigilant and questioning suspicious requests. Education and open discussions about scams among peers can fortify collective awareness. Addressing scamming as a societal and national issue underscores the importance of collaborative efforts to combat organized fraud, enhance cybersecurity measures, and promote digital safety education.
**Mamun Rashid** is the chairman of Financial Excellence Ltd and the founding managing partner of PwC Bangladesh.