Hyderabad: Beware of friendship baits

Hyderabad: "You are hereby advised not to respond to missed calls from unknown international numbers with prefix other than '+91' or calls about winning prizes or lottery. This may be fraudulent and will cause you financial loss," says a mobile service provider to the customers. Similarly, Jio mobile service provider cautioned its customers to 'Be extra careful and verify the credentials of the person asking for money/advance for mobile tower installation. Jio never demands fee in any form for tower installation and please do not pay if anybody asks fir money."

There are reports in the media, almost every day, about frauds of different kinds, whereas people were deprived or their hard-earned money in the name of friendship, prize, lottery winning, romance, chatting and dating and 'privacy'. It is a matter of irony that many people, including those highly educated, were getting cheated by fraudsters who are out to make quick money.

'Dear Sir, Hi, I am Suman. Want to chat with me for friendship and dating service in your area. Call me 07548029978-100 % PRIVACY,' says an SMS on the mobile. Another message says: 'I do not have any friends here. Will you be my friends. Call me at my No.581816688. Another SMS says: Dear 94004 30268 (Your number). Getting bored alone! Would you be friends with me? Dial 6818166'. Beware of such messages! (NSS)