EMI and Loan Waiver Call Scam on WhatsApp

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

On WhatsApp the scammer can send images, voice notes, PDFs and APK files, and a friendly profile photo makes the first message feel safe. EMI and Loan Waiver Call Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A caller promises to waive your EMI, interest or part of your loan if you pay a fee or share an OTP. The waiver does not exist.

What emi and loan waiver call 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 knows that borrowers are worried about repayments, so they start with sympathy. They may know your bank name or loan type, because many people post about loans or fill forms on unsafe sites. They claim that a waiver has been announced for your loan type and that you can register by phone today with a small fee.

Red flags to check on the WhatsApp message

• A caller offers to waive your loan or EMI by phone.
• A fee is asked before the waiver is done.
• You are asked to send an ID photo, selfie or OTP.
• The caller says the offer closes today.
• 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. Do not pay any fee and do not send your ID photo or selfie.
2. Contact your lender through its official app or the number on your loan papers.
3. Ask your lender in writing about any scheme that applies to you.
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 1930 and give the payment details and call time.
2. Tell your bank on the number printed on your card or passbook.
3. Keep copies of what you sent and watch your credit reports for loans you did not take.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the chat and screenshots.

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

Safeavio's scam check reviews messages you paste, such as a WhatsApp form request, and shows reasons like advance fees and urgency, while Money Shield asks you to verify before paying anyone. It cannot tell whether a loan scheme exists, so ask your lender through the official app, the branch or the number on your loan papers. Ask your lender. Use your lender's app.

Full guide: EMI and Loan Waiver Call Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: phone call, SMS.

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