Mobile Recharge Offer 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". Mobile Recharge Offer Scam is one of the ways this shows up: A message offers free recharge, extra validity or big cashback if you pay through a link. The link takes your money or card details.

What mobile recharge offer scam looks like by SMS

• 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.
• A request to call a number, install an app or share an OTP.

The scammer sends a message with the name of a mobile operator or a payment app, offering a free recharge, a festival pack or a loyalty reward. The text uses a short link and a line such as 'valid for today only'. Some versions come in WhatsApp groups with a forwarded message that says 'share with five friends to unlock', which spreads the scam.

Red flags to check on the text message

• A free recharge needs a payment or fee first.
• A forward-to-five-groups step is part of the offer.
• The page asks for UPI ID, card details or OTP.
• A midnight deadline or limited users is mentioned.
• The message asks for an OTP, PIN, card number or password.
• It threatens blocking, arrest, disconnection or a fine unless you act at once.

What to do

1. Do not tap the link or forward the message.
2. Check offers in your operator's own app or on its website typed by hand.
3. Never enter a UPI PIN or OTP for a free offer.
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 with the transaction details.
2. Tell your bank through the number on your card or passbook.
3. Report at https://cybercrime.gov.in with the message and the page screenshots.
4. Uninstall any app you downloaded from the link and change your banking passwords.

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

Safeavio's link check can review the offer link before you open it for lookalike domains, shortened links and risky patterns, and the scam check shows why the message looks like a pressure tactic with a money demand. It cannot see your operator's offers, so check them in the official app before you pay anything. It cannot see operator offers. Check your operator app.

Full guide: Mobile Recharge Offer Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: WhatsApp, social media, fake app.

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