FIA warns of cyber crimes against children during quarantine, issues advisory

Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has issued an advisory for the parents of the young children to be cautious of cyberattacks.

According to the agency, a number of complaints have been received about children being targeted by cybercriminals to get access to information, which includes personal details, photographs, and information about bank accounts and credit cards, etc.

“At the same time, criminals have also increased their activities, targeting children, who have little knowledge of these things,” said a source.

“Children spend most of their time on social media platforms. The criminals approach them by making a friend’s request,” the source added.

“Slowly, they befriend the children. So much so that the victims share their family pictures and other information. These criminals are also looking for their parents’ credit card and bank accounts information,” the sources warned.

The Cyber Crime Wing (CCW) of the FIA has advised particularly the parents to provide their children with controlled internet access or shared browsing services to counter such attacks.

“Do not accept friend requests or click on any email link from an unknown person,” the advisory says.

It says that cybercriminals usually send a link in which users are offered a reward.

“If you click on the link, the hackers can access your personal information,” it adds. As for the credit card, the advisory says that the consumers should shop online only from certified online outlets to avoid major losses.