Scam alerts
Scam alerts: how India’s common frauds work
Fake KYC links, “digital arrest” calls, job tasks, loan apps. See what each scam looks like, the red flags, and exactly what to do.
5 rules that stop most scams
- Never share an OTP, UPI PIN, CVV or password with anyone.
- You never need a PIN or a QR scan to receive money.
- No police or government agency arrests or collects money over a video call.
- Get helpline numbers only from official apps and websites.
- Urgency and secrecy are signs of a scam. Pause and ask someone.
Got a suspicious message?
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Know the scams
Tap one to see an example message, how it works, and what to do.
- “Digital arrest” A video call from “police” or “CBI” says you are under arrest and must pay to clear your name.
- KYC and bank account “blocked” An SMS says your bank account or SIM will be blocked today unless you update KYC through a link.
- Electricity bill “disconnection” A message says your power will be cut tonight because the last bill wasn’t updated, and gives an “officer’s” number.
- Parcel and courier messages A text says your parcel is held because the address is incomplete, or a “courier company” calls about illegal items in your name.
- Part-time jobs and “tasks” A stranger offers easy money for liking videos or rating hotels, paid daily, then asks you to “invest” to unlock bigger tasks.
- Stock tips and investment groups A WhatsApp “trading academy” shares winning stock tips, then moves you to its own app where profits look huge but can’t be withdrawn.
- Fake government schemes A forward says the government is giving free recharge, laptops, cash or scooters. Register through this link before it closes.
- Lottery, KBC and prize messages You’ve “won” a lottery, a KBC prize or a car. To receive it you only need to pay tax or a processing fee first.
- UPI requests and QR codes A buyer on OLX, a “refund”, or someone who sent money “by mistake” asks you to scan a QR code or approve a request to receive money.
- Fake customer care and screen-sharing apps You search online for a bank, airline or delivery app’s helpline, call the number you find, and “support” asks you to install an app.
- Instant loan apps An app gives a small loan in minutes with no papers, then demands far more back and threatens to send edited photos of you to your contacts.
- Video call blackmail An unknown video call shows an obscene clip, records your face, and the caller demands money to not “upload” it.
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