Alert! Posting Photos On Social Media Can Lead To Cybercrime; Here Is How

In shocking news, it has been revealed that innocent activity like posting photos can lead to online fraud. Cybercriminals are using the photos to retrieve the fingerprints of the individual and withdraw money using the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS). Around 10 cases have already been reported in Noida. 

Navbharat Times spoke to ACP Cyber Crime Vivek Ranjan Roy to get this new revelation. The officer said that around 10 cases have come up in which people’s photos on the internet have been used to generate their fingerprints and withdraw money. 

AEPS can be used to withdraw money through Aadhaar details and biometrics. Hence fingerprints are crucial for such withdrawals.  

Authorities alerting people

Therefore the authorities are urging people to be careful about posting photos on the internet. They are asking people to not not any photo that reveals private details like fingerprints. The authorities have warned everyone, mostly students, to enhance the security and privacy of their social media accounts. People are being advised to use Two-factor authentication for more security.

 Authorities have warned people to be vigilant and not reveal any personal information on the internet.

Tips to secure your private information 

Here are a few tips to avoid such illegal transactions and online fraud

1. Avoid posting photos that reveal your fingerprints, facial recognition and more 
2. Strengthen privacy by using two-factor authentication in social media, bank accounts and other private places.
3. Consistently check your bank accounts if they are linked to biometrics to avoid or find any unusual or illegal transaction
4. Refrain from sharing your data and biometrics on any website. Share, if required, only on trusted websites. 
5. Use biometrics only for essential works otherwise, avoid it. 
6. If you find any illegal transaction, immediately report it to cyber crime department. 

Schools must teach about cybercrime

It is indeed scary that personal information such as fingerprints is being retrieved from the casual posting of photos on social media. It seems as if we are not safe anywhere. Posting photos is the most famous activity among students. Sometimes they don’t even realise that their photo has personal information. That’s why it is really important for schools and teachers to teach students about securing their personal data, knowing about cybercrime and fraud and how to deal with it. In the growing digital age, it is crucial that students are made aware of every detail of the online world- whether good or bad.