Srinagar, Nov 11 (HS): Jammu and Kashmir Police have cautioned the public that some fake loan apps may misuse users’ personal photos and contact lists to threaten or blackmail them.

In a post on X, the police advised people to check whether a loan app is genuine before downloading it. They urged users to be careful about the permissions they grant and to avoid giving access to contacts, photos and other personal information unless absolutely necessary.

The advisory comes two days after the police warned the public against cyber scammers who impersonate officials and use fear to pressure people into handing over money.

In that advisory, also issued on X, the police said “digital arrest” is a scam, and that police or government officials neither arrest people over video calls nor demand money to avoid arrest.

Police have earlier urged victims of cyber fraud to immediately call the national cyber crime helpline 1930 or report the incident on the cybercrime.gov.in portal.

J&K Police have been regularly cautioning people about online scams, using social media as well as in-person debates and seminars.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Zahoor Hussain Bhat