Cyber Safety Alert 2026: In this era of Digital India, as easy as it has become to obtain a personal loan, it has also become equally easy for fraudsters to defraud people. Fraudulent gangs are active through mobile apps and online platforms, luring people with promises of loan approval within minutes.

In recent times, numerous cases have emerged where attractive advertisements and promises of loans without any paperwork have left people in severe financial and psychological distress. These fake apps are spread through social media, emails, and messages, using terms like “instant loans” and “hassle-free money” to lure ordinary citizens.

The Fraudsters’ Method and Harassment

The modus operandi of these fraudulent gangs is extremely cunning, where they first invade your privacy. As soon as someone downloads these suspicious apps, they demand access to your Aadhaar, PAN, and bank details, as well as your phone’s gallery and contact list. After this, either a very small amount is paid, and exorbitant interest of 40 to 60 percent is charged, or the loan is not approved, and your personal data is misused.

Many victims have reported that if they don’t make timely payments, they receive threatening messages and attempts are made to defame them on social media using their personal photos, which not only causes financial loss but also causes severe mental stress.

RBI Warning and Secured Loans

Expressing concern over this serious situation, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has issued a clear warning that it is safe to take loans only from banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) registered with the RBI. The government is continuously taking action against such fraudulent apps, and hundreds of apps have been banned so far.

Experts say that it is essential to thoroughly examine the ratings and reviews of any app before downloading it. Additionally, you should never sign or agree to any digital document without thoroughly understanding the loan terms, interest rates, and processing fees on paper. Sharing your personal information on an unknown platform can pose a significant threat to your digital identity.

What to do if you encounter fraud

If you encounter a suspicious offer or unwittingly fall into such a trap, immediately call the cybercrime helpline number 1930 or file a complaint on the official portal. According to the RBI’s new security policies, a compensation framework is being developed for victims of digital fraud, provided the incident is reported promptly.

When taking out a loan, always remember that no legal entity demands a ‘security deposit’ or ‘processing fee’ in advance before granting the loan. A little caution and vigilance can save you from significant financial and mental losses, so always choose trustworthy institutions.

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