International Transaction Alert Scam by SMS

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

On SMS the scammer has only a few lines to work with, so they use a deadline, a threat or a prize and a link that must be tapped "now". International Transaction Alert Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A message says your card was used abroad for a large payment and gives a number to call. The 'dispute desk' asks for your OTP or card details.

What international transaction alert scam looks like by SMS

• Several near-identical messages arriving together from different senders.
• 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".

The scammer sends a message that looks like an alert from a bank, with a made-up amount in a foreign currency and a merchant name that sounds real. It does not use your name. It says that the transaction will be completed in a short time unless you call or reply. A number or link is given for the 'dispute team' to stop it.

Red flags to check on the text message

• An SMS about a foreign payment gives a number to call.
• The alert does not use your name or last card digits.
• The caller asks for card details and an OTP to 'cancel' it.
• You are told that hanging up lets the payment go through.
• 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 call the number in the SMS.
2. Check recent transactions in your bank's official app.
3. Call your bank on the number on the back of your card if you are worried.
4. Report the sender on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) and block the number.
5. Delete the message and tell family members who may get the same text.
6. Do not reply, do not tap the link and do not call the number in the message.

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 your bank on the number on your card and block the card at once.
2. Call 1930 and give the transaction time and amount.
3. Uninstall any support app you installed and change banking passwords.
4. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the SMS and call details.

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

Safeavio's scam check reviews the SMS you paste and shows reasons such as urgency, a money alarm and OTP asks, and Money Shield reminds you that no one needs your OTP to cancel a payment. It does not read your messages on its own and cannot tell whether a real charge exists, so check your bank's app and call the number on your card.

Full guide: International Transaction Alert Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: phone call, email, WhatsApp.

Questions