Fake government and police scams
19 guides. Each explains one scam: how it works, an example, the red flags and the steps to take.
Digital Arrest Video Call ScamCallers in uniform say you are under digital arrest on a video call and must send money to prove…Fake CBI or Customs Officer Parcel CallAn automated call says a parcel in your name was seized with illegal items, then a fake CBI or…Courier Delivery Fee and Redelivery Link ScamA text says a parcel could not be delivered and asks for a small redelivery fee or address update…Income Tax Refund Fake Link ScamA message says an income tax refund is approved and asks you to confirm your bank account on a…EPFO PF Withdrawal and Pension ScamCallers offer to speed up your PF claim or release a stuck pension for a fee, and ask for your UAN…Electricity Disconnection Tonight SMS ScamA text says power will be cut tonight because the last bill was not updated, and asks you to call…E-Challan Traffic Fine Link ScamA text claims you have an unpaid traffic challan and gives a link to pay. The page takes card…Fake Court Summons and Legal Notice ScamA WhatsApp or email shows an official-looking court notice or arrest warrant and offers to settle…Fake Driving Licence and Passport Agent ScamFake websites and agents promise a licence without a test or a quick passport appointment for a…FASTag KYC Update and Recharge ScamA text says your FASTag will be blocked without a KYC update or recharge and gives a number or…PM-Kisan Status Update APK ScamA WhatsApp message says your PM-Kisan instalment is stuck and asks you to install an APK. See how…Farmer Loan Waiver and Subsidy Agent ScamA village agent says your name is on a loan waiver or subsidy list and asks for a fee. Learn how…Pension Life Certificate Call ScamA caller says your pension will stop unless you submit a life certificate now and asks for an OTP.…Ayushman Health Card Enrolment ScamSomeone offers to make your Ayushman or free-treatment health card for a fee or an OTP. See how…ESIC and PF Claim Agent ScamAn agent offers to speed up your PF or ESIC claim for a commission and asks for your UAN login or…GST Refund Agent ScamAn agent or caller claims a large GST refund is pending and asks for a fee, login or OTP to…Fake Tax Notice Email ScamAn email with a tax notice or demand pushes you to open an attachment or pay a penalty. See how…FSSAI and Trade Licence Agent ScamA caller says your shop needs an FSSAI or trade licence now or faces a fine, and takes a high fee.…Rooftop Solar Subsidy and Installation ScamA caller or door-to-door agent offers a rooftop solar subsidy for a fee or advance. See how fake…
Five habits that help with any of these
- Never share an OTP, UPI PIN, card PIN or CVV with anyone, including someone who says they are from the bank.
- Do not tap links in unexpected messages; open the official app or type the website yourself.
- Call back on the number printed on your card, bill or official app, not the one that contacted you.
- Be careful when someone creates a deadline or asks you to keep the matter secret.
- If money has moved, call 1930 at once and report at cybercrime.gov.in; the first hours matter most.
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.