E-commerce company Paytm has issued a warning to its customers, after a fraudulent message about KYC started doing the rounds, which gave the miscreant access to the customer’s phone.
One such message read: “We will hold your Paytm amount after sometime. Complete your Paytm KYC PaytTM office ph 8509465029”
In an advisory released to customers, Paytm said that if customers have received any SMS or call asking them to download an app for completing their KYC, then it is a fraudster.
“They have started calling our customers saying that ‘We are calling from Paytm to re-activate your KYC’ and then they ask them to install apps like, AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport etc and give certain permissions to these apps which is given to any normal app,” Paytm said in its warning.
These apps let the person control the device remotely. Once access is given, the fraudster will have access to everything on the device, including banking and payment applications.
“If you are being contacted stating that ‘your KYC has been completed and now to receive cashback or offer, you will receive an SMS with a link, to avail the offer click the link’, then always ensure that you do not click such links and delete such messages,” Paytm stated.
Paytm founder Vijay Shekhar Sharma also cautioned people on Twitter, and said, “These or some SMS with some lucky draw are examples of fraudsters attempting to get your details. Don’t fall for them.”
These or some SMS with some lucky draw are examples of fraudsters attempting to get your details. Don’t fall for them. pic.twitter.com/vyLUn5Z7Z7
— Vijay Shekhar (@vijayshekhar) November 19, 2019
Over the past few months, several users have taken to Twitter and Facebook to point out that they have been receiving messages claiming that the money in their Paytm account will be held if they don’t get their KYC done.
“I am receiving fake msgs posing as paytm 4 kyc update.evn knwn of my colleague fell for this n lost money. Plz tk action. Attaching screenshot (sic),” one user tweeted.
Some have even fallen for the scam and lost money.
“I've been trying to seek your help for past 1 week but have got no response. Fraudulent transactions were made on my wallet t on 13th NOV on name of doing KYC by scammer. Rs 50k and 610 from my paytm wallet were transferred to mobile number "9836240546" (sic),” one user tweeted to Paytm.