DTH and Set-Top Box KYC Recharge Scam by SMS

How it looks by SMS, the red flags and what to do.

A text message is the cheapest way for a scammer to reach thousands of phones at once, and the sender name can look like a bank, a courier or a government office. DTH and Set-Top Box KYC Recharge Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A call or SMS says your DTH channels will stop unless KYC is updated or a recharge is done through a link, then takes card and UPI details.

What dth and set-top box kyc recharge scam looks like by SMS

• A sender name that resembles a bank, courier, tax or utility, or an ordinary mobile number.
• A very short message with a deadline such as "today" or "within 24 hours".
• A shortened or oddly spelled link that does not match the real website.

The scammer names a major DTH or cable provider and sends the message to many numbers. Some people also find fake customer care numbers while searching online during a real recharge problem. The message says the box serial number needs KYC, or that a mandatory update is due, and that failing to do it will end service today.

Red flags to check on the text message

• It says your channels will stop tonight.
• It asks for a small recharge through a link or a collect request.
• A caller asks you to enter your UPI PIN.
• A helpline number is given in the text or found in search.
• The link domain is not the one you type yourself for that organisation.
• The message asks for an OTP, PIN, card number or password.

What to do

1. Do not open the link or call the number in the message.
2. Check your subscription in the provider's official app or with the number printed on your bill.
3. Recharge only inside the official app or on the official site you type yourself.
4. Delete the message and tell family members who may get the same text.
5. Do not reply, do not tap the link and do not call the number in the message.
6. Open the official app or type the official website yourself to see if there is any real notice.

You can report suspicious SMS and calls on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) of the Department of Telecommunications.

If money or a code is already gone

1. Call 1930 immediately if money has left your account.
2. Ask your bank through the number on your card to block cards and UPI if you shared details.
3. Uninstall any support app and change passwords from a clean device.
4. File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in with the message and call time.

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

Safeavio Sentinel's scam check reads the pasted text and explains the pressure it finds, such as a same-night deadline, a tiny recharge and a request for a PIN. The link check shows lookalike or shortened addresses before you open them, and Money Shield reminds you that you never need a PIN to receive money. It cannot tell if a helpline number is real. Always use your provider's official app or bill details.

Full guide: DTH and Set-Top Box KYC Recharge Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: phone call, WhatsApp.

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