USB Charger Scam Rampant In India: how to keep yourself safe from this!

The USB charger scam comes with a significant risk. The cyber criminals are exploiting the unsuspecting nature of people who rely on public charging stations for charging their cellphones. These malicious criminals employ a tactic, that is known as “juice-jacking”. In this method , they compromise USB charging ports to launch cyber attacks on the devices that care connected with the charging ports.

Cyber criminals are stealing sensitive user data by “juice-jacking” the charging ports!

Cyber criminals are stealing sensitive user data or implant malware onto devices that are or once were plugged into those compromised charging points. When a person innocently connecting devices to these compromised ports, they are exposing themselves to potential data theft, malware installation, or even device hijacking and all of these are happening for some ransom demands.

Juice Jacking is a new type of scam that fraudsters are resorting to. When you use a charging USB port (that does not belong to you and is pre-plugged in) in a public place like airport or cafes, you are risking your information and data. Scamsters use these chargers to steal… pic.twitter.com/v4xSwmLUs1

— IndusInd Bank (@MyIndusIndBank) December 14, 2023

The Centre has issued a warning to all of the citizens. They sre advising against the use of phone charging portals at frequented public places like airports, cafes, hotels, and bus stands, stations etc. The cautionary alert is issued to raise awareness about the looming threat of this “USB charger scam” that is known as “juice jacking”. The centre is urging people to exercise vigilance while charging their devices on the go.

To keep safe people can try these methods:

• Always opt for traditional electrical wall outlets whenever possible.
• The best option is carry personal charging cables or power banks and avoid the use of public USB charging stations.
• Always secure your Device and try to avoid pairing with unknown devices.
• Try charge the device while it is powered off mode. This will reduce the risk of potential cyber attacks.
• If you are encountering cyber fraud or any suspicious activity, report the incidents to the cyber department as soon as possible. They can do so by visiting www.cybercrime.gov.in or contacting the authorities at 1930.