Broadband and Fibre Installation Engineer Scam
A caller offers a cheap broadband or fibre plan or says your router needs an upgrade, asks for an advance or remote access, then drains your account.
Calls and ads offer a discounted fibre plan, an urgent router upgrade or a free installation if you pay a small advance. Some call existing customers and say the line will be cut unless the device is changed. The caller sounds technical and promises quick service. Behind the offer is a request for an advance by UPI, your Aadhaar photo, or a remote support app that opens your phone to the scammer.
How the scam works
The scammer finds you through an ad, a social media post or a call pretending to be from your broadband provider. They know typical plan names and quote attractive prices. They say an engineer will visit but first need a small advance or a copy of your ID for the connection form. The urgency is that the discounted plan or free installation ends today.
To 'confirm' your booking or fix a fault, they ask you to install a support or remote app, or to scan a QR code to pay the advance. Scanning a QR code on a payment app can send money instead of receiving it, which people often miss. They stay on the call and tell you each step, so you do not stop to check.
The payoff is the advance, your ID documents, and access to your phone. With remote access they can open your banking app and move money while you are on the call. The engineer never arrives, and the number stops working. Some victims later find a loan or a SIM in their name from the ID copy they sent for the form.
An example of what you may see
Example call (invented): 'Sir, your fibre plan is ending. Today only, new connection at half price and free router. Pay Rs 999 advance by scanning the QR I am sending, and send a photo of your Aadhaar. Also install the support app so I can set up your account.' The advance by QR, the Aadhaar request and the app install are three separate red flags. A real provider uses its own app, store or the number on your bill.
This example is written for illustration. Real messages change their wording, names and links all the time.
Red flags
- A cheap plan is offered only for today.
- An advance is requested through a QR code or personal UPI.
- You are asked to send an Aadhaar photo through chat.
- The caller wants you to install a support app.
- The engineer visit is promised only after you pay.
- The number is not the one printed on your bill.
What to do right now
- Do not pay an advance or scan a QR code from a caller.
- Contact your provider through its official app, store or the number on your bill.
- Do not send ID photos before a named, verified visit.
- Never install a support app because a caller asked.
- Report the number on Sanchar Saathi.
If you already paid or shared a code
- Call 1930 at once if money was taken, and give the payment details.
- Ask your bank through the number on your card to block the payment app and cards if you shared access.
- Uninstall any support app and change passwords from a clean device.
- File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in and watch for misuse of your ID copy.
National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930. Report online at cybercrime.gov.in. Do it fast: the sooner your bank is told, the better the chance that money can be held.
Where this scam shows up
Read how it looks on each channel:
How Safeavio helps
Safeavio Sentinel's QR check lets you scan a code and see where it goes before paying or opening it, which helps with the advance step. The scam check reads a message you paste and notes pressure, an advance demand and an ID request. The phone scan lists installed apps and permissions, including remote-support style apps. It cannot confirm a provider's offers, so verify through the provider's official app or store.
Check it before you tap or pay
Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.
Download for AndroidWhat the app does
Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.
Questions people ask
Does a QR code always mean I will receive money?
No. A QR code on a payment app can be a request to pay. Scan with a QR checker first and never enter a PIN to receive money. If a stranger sends a QR for an advance, do not scan it.
Should I pay an advance for installation?
Pay only through the provider's official app or at its store, and get a receipt. A personal UPI ID or QR from a caller is a red flag, especially if the visit has no confirmed date. Slow, careful checks beat quick replies every time.
How do I confirm an engineer is genuine?
Ask the provider through its official app or store whether a visit is booked, and for the engineer's name and ID. Do not rely on the caller's own number for the check. Take your time and check before acting.