"Stay safe while gaming online!" alerts MHA's Cyber wing
In response to recent frauds via gaming apps, the cyber wing of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has issued a warning urging people to exercise caution when engaging in online gaming.
The Indian Cybercrime Coordination Centre (14C), operating under the MHA's Cyber Wing, issued a cautionary message: "Play smart, play safe - stay secure while gaming online!"
The 14C wing through the message urged people to "download online apps only from authentic sources like Google Play Store, Apple Store and Official Websites."
The 14C also advised to "always check game app publishers' information in order to ensure website legitimacy."
The cyber security wing warned to "never fell in the trap of game in-app purchase and lucrative subscription offers."
It has suggested to exercise caution while "sharing personal information in chats or forums, as scammers can use social media tactics to manipulate players."
"Allow only relevant and necessary permissions while downloading app," it further recommended.
In case of online fraud, the I4C suggests to dial 1930--the cybercrime helpline number.
The Centre blocked a total of 581 apps till December 15 last year and out of these, there were 174 betting and gambling apps and 87 loan lending apps. These Apps were blocked by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) on recommendations of the MHA.
These apps were blocked under section 69A of the IT Act, 2000. These gaming applications included PUBG, GArena Free Fire.
Notably, in July last year, the Centre had amended the IGST Act, making it mandatory for all offshore gaming companies to be registered in India. Furthermore, the act also gave the Centre the power to block websites that are not registered and are violating laws.
The betting platforms were collecting UPI payments through proxy bank accounts and the amount accumulated in proxy accounts is being remitted through hawala, crypto and other illegal routes.
Apart from Mahadev, some of the apps that were banned include Parimatch,
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