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Money Fraud with Just Miss Call – 5 Tips to Prevent

Imagine Someone Transferring big money from your bank account by just giving miss call – How it would be? For many people, it would be a nightmare. In one recent cybercrime case fraudster managed to dupe one person and take away 50 Lakh via fraudster transfer from a bank account.

Yes! In the recent Delhi case, a cybercrook made a big transaction of 50 Lakh from the bank account without asking for the OTP, just by giving repeatedly giving missed calls on a mobile phone. This is the new modus operandi of SIM swap fraud.

I tried to get some more details and more specifically some points that can prevent you from this type of cybercrime. Continue Reading to get the details.

Money Fraud

Money Fraud with Just Miss Call – 5 Tips to Prevent 

The incident detail is like this. The incident took place on October 10.

One big company director of security services firm received missed calls between 7 PM-8:44 PM.

He responded to some calls and ignored others. It is but natural behavior.

He checked his phone to check messages of RTGS transactions worth of nearly Rs 50 lakh.

Target finds multiple text messages from the bank informing about transactions.

A number of RTGS transactions worth over Rs 50 lakh carried out by crooks from the current account of the man’s company, this is as per the report.

Now cyber crime department suspect that it is due to SIM swap fraud. ‘SIM swap’ may have been carried out by the crooks.

It seems RTGS transfer and OTP is enabled over another phone using SIM Swap. They may have overheard the OTP being mentioned via IVR through a parallel call. This was the main reason for this fraud.

What is SIM Swap/SIM Cloning?

SIM Swap or SIM Cloning means Fraudsters gain access to the customer’s Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) card or may obtain a duplicate SIM card (including electronic SIM) for the registered mobile number connected to the customer’s bank account.

SIM Swapping is also known as SIM splitting, SIM jacking, and SIM hijacking. It is taking over the control of your mobile operations from your existing SIM to another SIM, that is in the control of the cyber fraudster. The cybercriminal gains access to your sensitive personal and financial-related information through this fraud.

Fraudsters use the OTP received on such duplicate SIMs to carry out unauthorized transactions. 

Fraudsters generally collect the personal / identity details from the customer by posing as a telephone / mobile network staff and request the customer details in the name of offers such as – providing a free upgrade of SIM card from 3G to 4G or providing additional benefits on the SIM card.

Steps by cyber criminals to do SIM Swap.

 Step 1: Information collection

The fraudster employs various techniques to extract your personal information, including –

  • Phishing or sending fraudulent emails to collect your personal information.
  • Vishing or fake calls to collect personal details
  • Smishing or fake text messages (SMS) to collect information.
  • Malware or software attacks hack into your device.
  • Shoulder surfing or stealing your passwords by sneakily looking over at you while typing it on your device.
  • Social media research or collecting your details from your accounts on Facebook, X, Instagram, etc.

Step 2: Activation of new SIM card

The fraudster may carry out this step in the following ways:

Request the mobile operator to port the number to a new SIM 

In this approach, after collecting your personal details the fraudsters call the service provider or mobile operator, impersonating you and giving your details by answering relevant identification queries. After convincing the operator, they request to port the mobile number to the new SIM card. The porting request is done on various pretexts like mobile being lost, stolen, broken etc.,

Request the mobile operator to block the SIM 

Here the fraudsters approach the mobile operator with a fake ID proof with details collected from you and ask them to block the existing SIM on the pretext that the mobile is lost or hacked. Later using the same fake ID, the fraudster requests to register the same number with a new SIM.

Step 3: Taking control

Once the new SIM card is activated with your number, the fraudster gains access to your mobile operations, passwords, codes, PIN, OTP etc., through which they can operate your bank accounts, do online shopping, hack your social media accounts etc., By swapping the SIM and hijacking your mobile number the fraudster can access your bank accounts and all applications even without passwords. Therefore this fraud can cause a grave threat to mobile users.

What are the signs of SIM Swapping?

Many times it is seen that the subscriber may not even realize that their SIM is Swapped or cloned. By the time they understand the issue and act on it, the fraudster would have caused irreversible loss.

It is, therefore, necessary for any individual to be aware and alert about the following signs that may indicate SIM Swapping:

  • Inability to make calls or send text messages
  • Mobile signals not being available for an extended period of time
  • Social media accounts being hacked can also be a sign
  • Inability to login to any of your mobile applications
  • Your login credential for various personal and financial accounts, are not being functional.
  • Notification that your mobile number or SIM card has been activated elsewhere
  • Notification that your password or PIN numbers are changed or accessed

5 Tips to Prevent Money Fraud

#1 Never disclose or share private sensitive information

You should never disclose private sensitive information online or on social media accounts or verbally over the telephone. The information such as PAN card number, Aadhar card Number, Birthdate etc. 

#2 Set a strong and unique password for your mobile

Ensure that you have a unique and strong password for your mobile. If you can’t remember the password keep a strong pattern that is difficult to guess. 

#3 Do not make your mobile number the sole authentication method for your

You can use your email id or authentication app such as Google Authenticator, which is tied up to your physical device rather than your mobile number.

#4 Register for regular SMS as well as e-mail alerts for your banking transactions

This will alert you of any transactions that may happen without your knowledge, enabling you to take immediate corrective steps.

#5 Do not switch off your mobile for a long period of time

Many times fraudster tries to do continuous disturbing calls to make you switch off your phone to do this scam. So, do not switch off your mobile for a long period. 

This will make you unaware of the connectivity issues if any on your mobile.  

15+ Key Benefits of Tally Software

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Tally is software that allows you to manage your business from a remote location. You can start as many businesses as you want, track their sales, and make payments to them on a regular basis. 

In today’s fast-paced business world, managing finances efficiently is crucial for success. That’s where Tally software comes into play. If you’re a business owner, accountant, or finance professional, you’ve probably heard of Tally. But what makes it so popular?

Let’s dive into the advantages of Tally software and explore why businesses worldwide rely on it for their financial management needs.

accounting

What is Tally Software?

Tally is an ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software widely used for accounting, inventory management, payroll processing, and taxation. It simplifies financial transactions and ensures error-free bookkeeping.

With its user-friendly interface and comprehensive features, Tally is an excellent tool for businesses of all sizes, from small startups to large enterprises.

15+ Key Benefits of Tally software

Seamless data movements

The most important advantage of Tally software is its ability to move data across different platforms easily, quickly, and securely. This means that your company can use the same Tally software on your desktop, laptop, or mobile phone. Tally software helps you to count the number of documents, files, and folders on your computer. It allows you to keep track of your documents and retrieve them at any time. This helps in avoiding mistakes that could result from file conflicts.

Easy to use

Whether you are trying to set up a tally gateway server or using an accounting voucher with tally’s easy-to-use interface, you can easily do anything. This is why in tally you can create custom reports based on different criteria such as business requirements and customer insights in no time. Using tally’s intuitive interface, you can view all your records in one place without having to move around from machine to machine or being interrupted by multiple people asking questions about their own records or those of other users.

User-Friendly Interface

One of the biggest advantages of Tally is its simple and easy-to-navigate interface. Even if you’re not a tech expert, you can quickly learn to use Tally without extensive training. The dashboard is intuitive, making financial management a breeze.

Quick and Accurate Accounting

Tally is primarily known for its robust accounting capabilities. It supports multiple accounting functions, such as:

  • Ledger management
  • Accounts payable and receivable
  • Bank reconciliation
  • Profit and loss statements

GST Compliance and Taxation Support

With changing tax regulations, businesses need reliable software that ensures compliance with GST and other tax laws. Tally makes tax filing easy by automatically calculating taxes and generating reports.

Efficient Inventory Management

Keeping track of inventory is vital for businesses dealing with physical goods. Tally helps you manage stock levels, categorize inventory, and generate stock summaries with ease.

Payroll Processing Made Easy

Payroll can be a hassle, but Tally simplifies the process. It allows businesses to manage employee salaries, deductions, and tax calculations while ensuring compliance with labor laws.

Multi-User and Remote Access

Tally offers multi-user access, enabling different departments to work simultaneously on the same software. Additionally, Tally on Cloud allows users to access data remotely, promoting flexibility and convenience.

High Data Security

Data security is a top priority for any business. Tally provides robust security features such as user access controls, encryption, and automated backups to protect your financial information.

Cost-Effective Solution

Tally software is designed to be affordable and easy to use, so you can buy it without having to worry about whether it will suit your business needs or not. You will also find that it offers a range of features that you may not see elsewhere at such affordable prices. Tally offers an affordable solution for capturing and storing all the information from your field workers or employees. It has sophisticated recording technology that enables you to capture all the information in real-time and store it safely for future reference. This makes tally a reliable tool for processing large volumes of data quickly and securely. It also helps to save money on printouts, paper trails, travel expenses and other costs associated with manual data management processes.

Unlike many high-end ERP solutions, Tally is affordable and provides exceptional value for money. Small businesses can leverage its features without breaking the bank.

Scalability for Growing Businesses

As your business grows, so do your accounting needs. Tally is highly scalable, meaning it can handle increasing transactions, additional users, and expanding operations without compromising performance.

Automated Bank Reconciliation

Manually matching bank statements with your books can be time-consuming. Tally automates the reconciliation process, reducing errors and saving valuable time.

Multi-Currency Support

If your business deals with international transactions, Tally has you covered. It supports multi-currency transactions, making it easier for businesses operating globally.

Detailed Financial Reporting

Tally generates a variety of financial reports, including:

  • Balance sheets
  • Cash flow statements
  • Tax reports
  • Sales and purchase summaries

These reports help businesses make data-driven financial decisions.

Customization and Add-Ons

Tally is not a one-size-fits-all solution. It allows for customization and integration with third-party applications, ensuring businesses get the most out of the software.

Compliance with Business Laws

Apart from GST and taxation, Tally ensures businesses adhere to financial regulations, auditing requirements, and other legal frameworks necessary for smooth operations.

Saves Time and Reduces Errors

Since Tally automates various financial processes, it significantly reduces manual errors and saves time that would otherwise be spent on calculations and data entry.

Easy and fast document access

Using tally software is simple and easy. You don’t have to spend time learning how to use it, as it comes with a wizard that guides you through the process. You can easily access all your files from a single location in just a few seconds without having to go through endless menus or pages of instructions. costly, time-consuming, and even embarrassing.

Conclusion

Tally software is a game-changer for businesses looking for an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective accounting solution. With its user-friendly interface, robust features, and compliance support, it’s no surprise that Tally is a favorite among financial professionals worldwide.

Whether you’re managing accounts, tracking inventory, or handling payroll, Tally streamlines your financial operations, saving time and improving accuracy. If you haven’t already, it’s time to consider Tally as your go-to business management software!

FAQs

1. Is Tally suitable for small businesses?

Yes! Tally is ideal for small businesses due to its affordability, ease of use, and essential features like accounting, tax compliance, and inventory management.

2. Can Tally be used for GST filing?

Absolutely! Tally automatically calculates GST, generates tax reports, and ensures compliance, making tax filing effortless.

3. Does Tally support cloud-based access?

Yes, Tally offers Tally on Cloud, allowing users to access data remotely and work from anywhere.

4. Is Tally available for free?

Tally offers a free trial version, but for full access to all features, a paid license is required.

5. Can Tally handle multi-currency transactions?

Yes, Tally supports multiple currencies, making it perfect for businesses that operate internationally.

Tally software is a must-have for businesses aiming to simplify financial management and improve efficiency. Ready to streamline your accounting process? Give Tally a try today!

The Pros and Cons of Taking Out an Installment Loan

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If you need to finance a small or large expense, an installment loan should be on your radar. It can help you spread out the cost of more expensive purchases like a house, car, roof repair, kitchen remodel, vacation, or just about anything else you may have a need for.

Let’s take a closer look at how installment loans work as well as their benefits and drawbacks.

Pros Cons Installment Loan

How installment loans work

Installment loans are loans you pay back through a series of monthly payments or installments over an agreed-upon term, ranging from a few years to several years or even longer. In most cases, they come with fixed interest rates that remain the same over their life.

Some of the most common types of installment loans include:

  • Personal loans
  • Auto loans
  • Home loans
  • Home equity loans
  • Student loans

Pros of Installment Loans

The most significant advantages of installment loans include:

  • Ability to easily cover expenses: An installment loan is a great option if you don’t have the cash to pay for an expense. You can spread out the cost of a purchase over time.
  • Predictable repayments: Since installment loans typically have fixed rates, you’ll be able to budget for your payments in advance. You don’t have to worry about sudden increases that wreak havoc on your finances.
  • Many options: There is no shortage of installment loans on the market. If you shop around for them at banks, credit unions, and online lenders, you’re sure to find the right loan for your unique situation.
  • Chance to refinance: If interest rates decrease or your credit score improves, you can refinance your installment loan. This may reduce your monthly payments or shorten your repayment schedule.

Cons of installment loans

These are the greatest disadvantages of installment loans.

  • Interest charges: Unfortunately, installment loans are not free. You’ll be on the hook for interest plus your principal or the amount you initially borrowed.
  • Potential fees: Most lenders who offer installment loans charge fees in addition to the interest, which can increase your overall cost of borrowing. These may include origination fees, late fees, prepayment penalties, and closing costs.
  • Will need to apply for another loan for more funding: An installment loan is not a revolving line of credit. This means you’ll have to apply for and take out another installment loan once you use up all your funds.
  • Must meet specific requirements: There’s no guarantee you’ll get approved for an installment loan. Lenders often look for a particular credit score and debt-to-income ratio.

The Bottom Line

There are a variety of installment loans available. Therefore, it’s in your best interest to shop around and compare rates, terms, fees, and special perks. By doing so, you can find the ideal option for your budget and needs.

Notice: Information provided in this article is for information purposes only and does not necessarily reflect the views of  Moneyexcel or its employees. Please be sure to consult your financial advisor about your financial circumstances and options. This site may receive compensation from advertisers for links to third-party websites.

LIC New Jeevan Amar Policy – Review

LIC’s New Jeevan Amar replaces the old LIC Jeevan Amar Plan. LIC New Jeevan Amar Plan 955 is a Non-Linked, Non-participating, Individual, Pure Risk Premium Life Insurance Plan, which provides financial protection to the insured’s family in case of his/her unfortunate death during the policy term. 

This Plan can be purchased Offline through Licensed agents, Corporate Agents, Brokers, and Insurance Marketing Firms. This plan is launched along with LIC’s New Tech Term Plan. The New Tech Term plan is a copy of the old plan except for the premium rate. In this post, I shall review LIC New Jeevan Amar Policy and share my findings. I am sure these findings shall help you while buying this plan.

LIC New Jeevan Amar Policy Review

Key Features of LIC New Jeevan Amar Plan

  • Flexibility to choose from two benefit options: Level Sum Assured and Increasing Sum Assured. 
  • Flexibility to 
    • Choose from Single Premium, Regular Premium, and Limited Premium Payment 
    • Choose the Policy Term/Premium Paying Term 
    • Opt for payment of benefits in installments. 
  • Special rates for women. 
  • The benefit of an attractive High Sum Assured Rebate. 
  • Two categories of premium rates namely (1) Non-Smoker rates and (2) Smoker rates. The application of Non-Smoker rates shall be based on the findings of the Urinary Cotinine test. In all other cases, the Smoker rates will be applicable. 
  • Option to enhance coverage by opting for Accident Benefit Rider on payment of additional premium for the rider benefit.

Benefits

Benefits payable under an in-force policy shall be as under 

#1 Death Benefit

The death benefit payable on the death of the Life Assured during the policy term after the date of commencement of risk but before the date of maturity, provided the policy is in force and the claim is admissible shall be “Sum Assured on Death”. 

For Regular premium and Limited premium payment policy, “Sum Assured on Death” is defined as the highest of: 

  • 7 times of Annualised Premium; or 
  • 105% of “Total Premiums Paid”upto the date of death; or
  • Absolute amount assured to be paid on death. 

For Single premium policy, “Sum Assured on Death” is defined as the higher of: 

  • 125% of Single Premium. 
  • Absolute amount assured to be paid on death. 

Where, 

i. “Annualized Premium” shall be the premium payable in a year chosen by the policyholder, excluding the taxes, rider premiums, underwriting extra premiums, and loadings for modal premiums, if any, and 

ii. “Total Premiums Paid” means a total of all the premiums received, excluding any extra premium, any rider premium and taxes. 

iii. Absolute amount assured to be paid on death shall depend on Death Benefit Option chosen at the time of taking this policy and is as under: 

Option I: Level Sum Assured Absolute amount assured to be paid on death shall be an amount equal to Basic Sum Assured, which shall remain the same throughout the policy term. 

Option II: Increasing Sum Assured Absolute amount assured to be paid on death shall remain equal to the Basic Sum Assured till completion of fifth policy year. Thereafter, it increases by 10% of Basic Sum Assured each year from the sixth policy year till fifteenth policy year till it becomes twice the Basic Sum Assured. This increase will continue under an inforce policy till the end of policy term; or till the Date of Death; or till the fifteenth policy year, whichever is earlier. From sixteenth policy year and onwards, the Absolute amount assured to be paid on death remains constant i.e. twice the Basic Sum Assured till the policy term ends. For example, Absolute amount assured to be paid on death under a policy with Basic Sum Assured of Rs. X will be Rs. X till the end of fifth policy year, ` 1.1X during the sixth policy year, 1.2X during the seventh policy year, increasing so on by 10% of Basic Sum Assured each year till it becomes 2X in fifteenth policy year. From the sixteenth policy year and onwards, the Absolute amount assured to be paid on death will be 2X. 

The Death Benefit Option once chosen cannot be changed later. 

#2 Maturity Benefit

On survival of the life assured to the end of the policy term, no maturity benefit is payable.

Eligibility 

a) Minimum Age at entry : [18] years (Last Birthday) 

b) Maximum Age at entry : [65] years (Last Birthday) 

c) Maximum age at Maturity : [80] years (Last Birthday) 

d) Minimum Basic Sum Assured : ` 25,00,000/-. 

e) Maximum Basic Sum Assured : No Limit

f) Policy Term : [10 to 40] years 

g) Premium Paying Term 

Regular Premium : Same as policy term 

Limited Premium : 

[Policy Term minus 5] years for Policy Term [10 to 40] years,

[Policy Term minus 10] years for Policy Term [15 to 40] years 

Single Premium : NA

LIC New Jeevan Amar Plan Premium

The sample illustrative premiums for both Option I (Level Sum Assured) and Option II (Increasing Sum Assured) for Basic Sum Assured of ` 50 Lakh for Non-Smoker, Male, Standard lives under different Premium Payment options are as under –

LIC New Jeevan Amar Premium

LIC New Jeevan Amar Premium

LIC New Jeevan Amar Plan Review 

LIC New Jeevan Amar Plan is a pure-term plan. As it is sold offline the premium rate of the New Jeevan Amar Plan is higher compared to LIC New Tech Term Plan.

One additional difference I noticed is that compared to the earlier Jeevan Amar Plan this new plan is costly. You need to pay more premiums in order to purchase LIC New Jeevan Amar Plan.

All plan features are the same as that of a previous plan. It is like old wine in a new bottle with a new name. 

If you don’t have a term plan you can plan to buy one. If you are thinking to buy the LIC term plan, I would advise you to go for the LIC New Tech Term plan instead of the LIC New Jeevan Amar Plan. 

To know more about LIC’s New Jeevan Amar Plan Please visit LIC’s Website.