Credit Card EMI Conversion Scam on WhatsApp

How it looks on WhatsApp, the red flags and what to do.

WhatsApp scams arrive from numbers you do not know, from a friend whose account was taken over, or from a group you were added to without asking. Credit Card EMI Conversion Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A caller says your large card bill can be turned into zero-cost EMI and asks for an OTP, which approves a new purchase on your card.

What credit card emi conversion scam looks like on WhatsApp

• A PDF, APK or image that must be opened to "see the details".
• A link that pretends to be a wa.me, courier or bank page.
• A message from an unknown number, often with a stock photo of a smiling person.

The scammer calls someone who has recently used a credit card for a large expense, often found through leaked data or a guess based on the festival season. They mention the bank by name, a nice-sounding rate and a short period, and say that they are doing a special drive for selected customers. They sound well informed and friendly, which lowers your guard.

Red flags to check on the WhatsApp message

• A caller offers to convert your card bill into EMI.
• Your card number, CVV and a code are requested.
• The code is described as a registration code.
• A special drive for selected customers is mentioned.
• Someone asks for the six-digit code WhatsApp sent you by SMS.
• A new number says it is someone you know and asks for money; call the real person on the old number first.

What to do

1. End the call and share no card detail or code.
2. Look for EMI options inside your bank's official app.
3. Call the number on the back of your card if you want to know more.
4. If it was a "friend", call them on the number you already have and ask.
5. Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp settings so a stolen SMS code is not enough.
6. Warn the group or family, and report the number on Sanchar Saathi if it is a scam call or message.

Inside WhatsApp use Block and report; for numbers that call or text you, the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) also takes complaints.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call your bank on the number on your card and block the card immediately.
2. Call 1930 and report the transaction details and time.
3. Ask the bank to start a dispute for the purchase you did not make.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the call log and alerts.

National Cyber Crime Helpline: 1930; report at cybercrime.gov.in.

Safeavio's Money Shield includes the rule that no OTP, PIN or CVV should be shared with anyone, including people who say they are from the bank. The scam check can review a follow-up SMS or link that you paste. It does not block calls by itself, so end the call and use the bank's app or the number on your card.

Full guide: Credit Card EMI Conversion Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: phone call, SMS.

Questions