Cyber Fraudsters Exploit SEO Techniques to Trick Users; Experts Warn of Rising Online Scams

Cyber Fraudsters Exploit SEO Techniques to Trick Users; Experts Warn of Rising Online Scams

Cybercriminals are increasingly utilizing advanced Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics to deceive users, leading to a rise in online fraud, according to cybersecurity experts. These fraudsters manipulate SEO to position fake websites at the top of search results, making them appear credible and convincing users to disclose sensitive personal and financial information.

"Cybercriminals are becoming highly skilled at using SEO to boost the visibility of their fraudulent sites," said Rohan Nyayadhish, a cybersecurity expert and legal advocate. He explained that scammers create fake websites mimicking legitimate businesses, online stores, and financial platforms, luring victims into sharing sensitive data.

One such case recently involved a 71-year-old man from Sahakar Nagar, who was duped out of ₹5.3 lakh while attempting to return a faulty charger he purchased online for ₹800. After searching for customer service contact information, the victim called a fraudulent number. The scammer convinced him to complete a small transaction, during which the victim unknowingly shared OTPs multiple times, leading to the loss of ₹5.36 lakh across six transactions.

Vishal Ovhal, another cybersecurity expert, highlighted the rise of "courier scams," in which victims are tricked into believing their packages contain illegal materials. Scammers use aggressive tactics, such as "digital house arrest," where they threaten victims through video calls and prevent them from contacting others. Vulnerable groups like senior citizens and women are often targeted in these scams, transferring money to protect their reputations.

Ovhal also discussed the growing use of dummy websites that fraudsters manipulate to appear legitimate through paid SEO practices. "These sites resemble authentic ones, but the money is funneled to third-party accounts. Even bank employees may be involved in these crimes, sharing customers’ KYC details with criminals, complicating the tracking of transactions," he explained.

The expert also warned of privacy risks posed by loan and gaming apps. Many users unknowingly grant these apps access to sensitive data, such as private messages and photos, further increasing their vulnerability to cyber fraud.

Suresh Shinde, Senior Police Inspector at the Cyber Police Station, reiterated the need for public caution. He urged citizens to verify websites and be wary of unknown calls, messages, and suspicious links, especially as the "FedEx scam" gains momentum. Shinde emphasized that people should report fraud to the police promptly and avoid falling for schemes promising high returns on unknown platforms.