Videocon says hackers sending fake d2h promotional offers

Aurnagabad-based consumer electronics maker Videocon says its direct-to-home service, d2h, provider has a complaint with the cyber crime cell of the Mumbai Police requesting it to block certain fake websites, which are using the Videocon d2h brand name to cheat the public at large.

According to Anil Khera, CEO, Bharat Business Channel Ltd. (BBCL), that operates the videon d2h service, ''Our official website is ''www.videocond2h.com'', used in all our customer communications with regard to our DTH services. Some anti social elements have deliberately and with an intention to cause wrongful business loss and with a view to malign our brand image has created fake websites having deceptively similar names.''

Videocon said that the fake websites are:

• www.d2hvideocon.com <http://www.d2hvideocon.com
• www.d2hadvertising.com <http://www.d2hadvertising.com
• www.videocond2hdish.com <http://www.videocond2hdish.com

Khera said consumers had reported receiving SMS on their mobiles asking them to log on to these websites where they are prompted to provide their mobile numbers. Once the number is given, the next page opens with the icon 'Next' prompting the customer to click on the it. Thereafter, on the third page, a fake authorisation letter opens and informs the customers that they have won a free Videocon d2h product with free package subscription ranging from a duration of two years onwards.

The fake authorisation further asks the customer to deposit an amount towards customer service tax in an account with a bank, the details of which are provided. They are then required to fax the deposit slip to a specified number.

''We have, through the Cyber Cell Police Station also requested the State Bank of India, Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, Axis Bank and other financial institutions to issue necessary directions so that the operation of the fake accounts can be stopped and money deposited by the public goes back to them. These fake websites are causing damage to us and financial loss to the public at large'' added Khera.

"Videocon d2h has taken immediate and necessary steps to prevent the general public from falling into the hands of such fake and illegal websites and endeavors to create awareness on the increasing number of frauds in the industry as well," a prerss release from the company said.

Most of these websites have already been blocked and action is being taken against them, it addded.

Khera advised the recipients of such SMSes to ignore them.