Fake government and police scams by SMS
SMS scams lean on short, urgent lines and a shortened link. The message looks official because the sender name (header) is shaped to resemble a real organisation.
Guides
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…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…
Check before you act
- The link domain is not the one you type yourself for that organisation.
- The message asks for an OTP, PIN, card number or password.
- It threatens blocking, arrest, disconnection or a fine unless you act at once.
- It promises a refund, prize or cashback you never asked for.
More: all fake government and police scams · all scams by SMS
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.