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There is a rise in phishing scams, fake ads, and government impersonation cases, often targeting retired officials with substantial savings. (Image: FreePik)

Why senior citizens in India are prime targets for cybercrime, and how to stay safe

September 02, 2025 9:55 am

As India races ahead with digitisation, elderly citizens are being left especially vulnerable to scams that exploit trust, fear, and limited digital literacy. In this edition of The Safe Side, we look at how seniors are being targeted, and how they can stay safe.

Fake job offers on messaging applications often begin with simple tasks and small payouts, but quickly escalate into financial scams. (Express Image/FreePik)

Online task scam: How job offers on Telegram, WhatsApp groups are driving people to extremes

July 26, 2025 8:39 am

Telegram and WhatsApp job offers that promise quick money for small tasks often end in financial ruin. In this edition of The Safe Side, we explain what ‘online task scams’ are, how they operate, and how to protect yourself.

A fake job listing can shatter your dreams. Here is a list of red flags to watch out for before you apply. (Express Image: FreePik)

Beware, your dream job may be a scam: Key red flags to watch out for before you apply

May 03, 2025 7:02 pm

In the 24th edition of The Safe Side, we bring to you tips on how to stay safe from job scams. Through this article, experts will walk you through verifying job postings, spotting red flags, safe practices and what to do if you are scammed.

While using malicious software to wipe out bank accounts isn’t new, the methods and reach of such scams have evolved drastically with technology. (Express Image/FreePik)

Over 25 mn devices at risk: What is FatBoyPanel, the new malware targeting Indian users?

May 02, 2025 6:16 pm

Malware can steal your data and cause financial loss in ways you might not even imagine. In the 23rd edition of The Safe Side, we explore a dangerous new malware called FatBoyPanel, how it works, and what you can do to stay protected.

Mule accounts used by scammers put innocent people at legal risk.(Express Image/FreePik)

When scammers use your bank account: The growing threat of mule accounts

May 02, 2025 6:16 pm

In the 21st edition of The Safe Side, we walk you through the basics of "mule accounts"—and how innocent people can unknowingly fall into fraudsters' traps by giving access to their bank accounts.

Experts say that these BNPL deceptive schemes can drain your bank account within minutes. (Express Image/Freepik)

Buy now, pay later, regret forever? Alarming rise of BNPL scams in India

May 02, 2025 6:19 pm

In the 20th edition of The Safe Side, we explore a lesser-known but increasingly dangerous cyber threat—Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) scams. Here's how they work, how to spot them, and what you can do to stay safe.

Image caption: P2P payment frauds involve scams where fraudsters trick users into sending money or revealing sensitive credentials. (Image: FreePik)

P2P scams: How they can drain your money through UPI in just seconds

May 02, 2025 6:20 pm

In the 19th edition of The Safe Side, we highlight the rising trend of peer-to-peer (P2P) payment fraud. Scammers are exploiting platforms like UPI and mobile payment apps to trick users into transferring money or revealing personal details.

Fraudsters use call merging to hijack accounts and seize control of devices by intercepting voice OTPs. (Express Image/FreePik)

One call could let hackers hijack your life: How call merging scams work

May 02, 2025 6:20 pm

In the 18th edition of The Safe Side, we spotlight growing call merging scams. We’ll explain how these scams operate, the red flags to spot, and steps to protect yourself.

Learn how hackers take over WhatsApp accounts and discover the essential security tips and warning signs to protect yourself from becoming a victim. (Express Image: FreePik)

How hackers take over WhatsApp accounts and ways to stop them

May 02, 2025 6:21 pm

This week on The Safe Side, our ongoing series aimed to keep you safe online, we dive deep into WhatsApp hacking. We break down how scammers hack into WhatsApp, why they do it, warning signs to watch for, and, most importantly, how to protect yourself.

From personal safety alarms to health trackers, these tools offer peace of mind, independence, and security. (Image: FreePik)

International Women’s Day 2025: Must-have gadgets and apps for women’s safety

May 02, 2025 6:21 pm

With Women’s Day here, in the 16th edition of The Safe Side, we’re spotlighting smart, practical gadgets and apps that can make a real difference in the everyday life of women.