Madhya Pradesh: Cyber HQ cautions parents against online gaming frauds


SOURCE: TIMESOFINDIA.INDIATIMES.COM
SEP 01, 2021

Many complaints have come to fore in the last four months wherein children have fallen trap to online bullying and ended up paying up the fraudsters or sharing details of parents’ bank account, said an officer at the cyber HQ . (Representative image)

BHOPAL: Taken aback by the number of complaints that it has received in the last few days, Madhya Pradesh cyber cell headquarters has issued an advisory saying that web criminals are targeting children addicted to online games for frauds and stealing money from their parents.

In one of the recent cases reported in July, a 13-year-old boy had committed suicide in Chattarpur district having lost Rs 40,000 in an online game. He had left behind a suicide note, saying that he was taking the extreme step after losing the said money. He was a student of class 6. Investigators found that he was scolded by his parents after they saw messages of money debited from their bank accounts. He hanged himself from the ceiling fan using a scarf, police said.

Many complaints have come to fore in the last four months wherein children have fallen trap to online bullying and ended up paying up the fraudsters or sharing details of parents’ bank account, said an officer at the cyber HQ.
He said parents should keep an eye on their children and their gaming activities with utmost care.

“Due to the ongoing trend of playing online games, children insist on getting their own mobile or play online games using their parent’s phone. In these games, to enter the next level or to buy an avatar, weapon or dress, an online payment has to be made, which kids often make through their parent’s online banking or debit/credit card without informing them. Later on, the parents complain to the police about the online financial fraud,” says the advisory.

Modus Operandi: Now-a-days online gaming is increasing its presence among the general public, especially among children. Several games, most notably multiplayer mobile games, are equipped with facilities that allow players to make in-app and in-game purchases, for which, online payment through credit card/debit card/internet banking, is done by children without informing their parents.

Many times, the card/bank details get saved in the online game’s payment mode, after which only OTP is required to make an online payment. Since OTP is sent on the parent’s mobile number, which is used by kids to play games online, they are able to make instant payments and delete all the messages related to such transactions. Horrific real-life incidents associated with online gaming include bank accounts being emptied by teenagers for making in-app purchases. This may also push children to take dangerous steps.

Precautions

1- Prefer giving Mobile without sim, connected to wi-fi, to children for online classes. Wi-fi only tablets are available in the market.
2- Keep parental control over children’s online activity. Activate parental control in the play store of all the devices. Avoid sharing a mobile with the children which is linked to any bank account.
3- Never allow or teach your children to make bill payments, recharge or other payments.
4- If you receive any message about an online transaction, confirm it with your family about the transaction before reaching the Police. In case you are a victim of cyber frauds, register a complaint in your nearest police station or log in to www.cybercrime.gov.inorcall on Toll Free number 155260.

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