Step 1: Immediately Cut Off All Contact

Do not reply to any phone calls, emails, or texts from the fraudsters. Block them on all social media and messaging apps to prevent any further interaction. To secure your device, install and run an antivirus scan to detect and remove any malware. If necessary, consider a factory reset to wipe all potentially malicious files and applications.

Step 2: Secure Your Financial Accounts

Act fast! Call your bank immediately to block your cards and accounts. You should also contact any other financial services or e-commerce companies where you've stored sensitive payment information. Review your recent transactions to identify and dispute any fraudulent charges. Below is a list of popular Indian banks and their customer care numbers for quick reference.

Step 3: Change Your Passwords

If your personal information was compromised, change all of your passwords immediately, especially for email, online banking, and any accounts linked to the fraud. If your email was part of the breach, notify your contacts so they are aware of any suspicious links coming from your address. Creating new, strong passwords is vital to protecting your data. Here are the key rules for a strong password:

• Make It Long: Aim for a length of 12 to 16 characters or more.

• Mix It Up: Include a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols (like !, @, #, $).

• Be Unpredictable: Avoid using common words or personal details like your name, pet's name, or birthdate.

• Use Passphrases: Create a memorable sentence and turn it into a password. For example, "I love to travel in 2024!" could become "Il2t!i2024!".

• Be Unique: Use a different password for each of your accounts. A password manager can help you with this.

Step 4: Report the Fraud to Authorities

Reporting the fraud to the authorities is a critical step. By doing so, you can help law enforcement track down criminals and prevent others from becoming victims.