Scams over the phone in India
Callers pretend to be bank staff, police, a courier, a telecom officer or a relative, and they try to keep you on the line while you act.
What it looks like
- An unknown or international number, or a number that looks like a real office.
- A calm, official voice that already knows your name or the last digits of your card.
- Being told to stay on the line and not to tell your family.
- Instructions to install a screen-sharing app or to press keys on the phone.
- A second "senior officer" who takes over the call.
Scams that use this channel
UPI Collect Request ScamA stranger sends a UPI collect request and says you must approve it to receive money. Approving it…UPI Refund Wrong PIN ScamAfter an order cancellation or failed payment you are told a refund needs your UPI PIN or a link.…Scan QR to Receive Money ScamA buyer asks you to scan a QR code or enter a PIN to receive an advance. A QR code only ever sends…Fake Payment Credited SMS ScamA bogus SMS or message says money was credited to you, then a stranger asks you to return it. The…Wrong Transfer Return My Money ScamA stranger really does send you money, then claims it was a mistake and uses pressure and fake…UPI AutoPay Mandate ScamYou approve a request that looks harmless, but it sets up a recurring UPI mandate that lets a…Re 1 UPI ID Verification ScamA stranger asks you to send Re 1 or Rs 10 to verify your UPI ID before a bigger payment. The small…POS Machine Swipe Trick ScamA shop or hotel staff member uses a hidden reader, double swipes or changes the amount on a card…Wallet KYC Expiry ScamA message says your mobile wallet will be blocked unless you complete KYC today, and the link or…FASTag Recharge Link ScamA message says your FASTag balance is low or blocked and gives a link to recharge. The page steals…FASTag KYC Update Call ScamA caller says your FASTag will be deactivated without a KYC update and asks for an OTP, card…Electricity Bill Disconnection ScamA message says your electricity will be cut tonight for an unpaid bill, and tells you to pay…Gas Cylinder Booking Payment ScamA fake gas agency number found online takes your booking, then asks for a payment link, a refund…Merchant Soundbox and QR Onboarding ScamFake agents tell shop owners they must pay a fee for a QR, soundbox or POS installation, then take…SIM Swap Bank FraudFraudsters get a duplicate SIM issued for your number, receive your bank OTPs and drain your…Bank KYC Update SMS ScamAn SMS says your bank KYC has expired and your account will be blocked today. The link or number…PAN Update Bank Account Block ScamA message says your PAN must be updated or your bank account and card will be blocked. The form…Credit Limit Increase Call ScamA caller offers to raise your credit card limit and asks for an OTP or card details. The OTP…EMI and Loan Waiver Call ScamA caller promises to waive your EMI, interest or part of your loan if you pay a fee or share an…Cheque Overpayment Refund ScamA buyer sends a cheque for more than the price and asks you to return the difference. The cheque…ATM Card Swap Helper ScamA 'helpful' stranger at an ATM watches your PIN and swaps your card for a similar one, then…ATM Skimmer and Hidden Camera ScamA hidden reader on an ATM slot copies your card, and a tiny camera records your PIN. Your account…Card Blocked Fake Executive Call ScamA caller says your debit or credit card has been blocked and offers to reactivate it, then asks…Instant Loan Processing Fee ScamA lender promises a quick loan with no paperwork, then asks for processing fees, insurance and…Pre-approved Loan SMS Link ScamAn SMS says you have a pre-approved bank loan and asks you to tap a link and log in. The page…Remote Access App Bank Support ScamA fake bank or refund agent asks you to install a screen-sharing app, then uses your banking apps…Debit Card Expiry and Replacement ScamA caller says your debit card is about to expire and a new one will be sent after you confirm…Fake Bank Customer Care Number ScamA planted number in search results or maps poses as bank customer care. Calling it gets you a…Fixed Deposit Premature Closure ScamA caller says your fixed deposit has matured or can earn extra interest if you act now, and asks…Dormant Account Reactivation ScamA message says your unused bank account will be closed unless you reactivate it through a link.…Salary Account Upgrade ScamA caller offers a free upgrade of your salary account with a premium card and benefits, and asks…Safe Account Transfer Fraud Alert ScamA caller says your account is under attack and asks you to move your savings to a 'safe account'…International Transaction Alert ScamA message says your card was used abroad for a large payment and gives a number to call. The…Bank Nominee Update ScamA message or call says nominee details are missing and your account will be frozen. The form or…Annual Fee and Bank Charges Refund ScamA caller says the bank charged you extra fees and will refund them if you share an OTP or open a…RBI Compensation and Unclaimed Money ScamA message claims RBI or a bank owes you compensation or unclaimed money and asks for a fee, tax or…Cash Deposit Machine Fake Receipt ScamA buyer shows a cash-deposit receipt or screenshot as proof of payment, but the money never…Credit Card EMI Conversion ScamA caller says your large card bill can be turned into zero-cost EMI and asks for an OTP, which…Fake Loan Recovery Agent ScamCallers threaten to shame you or message your contacts unless you pay a loan, sometimes one you…Bank Account Rental Mule ScamA stranger offers commission to let your bank account receive and forward money. The funds are…Aadhaar Fingerprint Cloning ScamFraudsters use leaked fingerprints and Aadhaar numbers to withdraw money through Aadhaar-enabled…Fake e-KYC Video Call and Selfie ScamA caller says a video KYC is needed to keep your account active, records your face and ID, then…Aadhaar Copy Misuse for SIM and Loan FraudA copy of your Aadhaar or PAN handed over for a sale, rental or job is reused for SIM cards and…Ration Card e-KYC and Subsidy ScamMessages warn that your ration card will be cancelled unless you complete e-KYC through a link or…Digital Arrest Video Call ScamCallers in uniform say you are under digital arrest on a video call and must send money to prove…Fake CBI or Customs Officer Parcel CallAn automated call says a parcel in your name was seized with illegal items, then a fake CBI or…EPFO PF Withdrawal and Pension ScamCallers offer to speed up your PF claim or release a stuck pension for a fee, and ask for your UAN…Electricity Disconnection Tonight SMS ScamA text says power will be cut tonight because the last bill was not updated, and asks you to call…Fake Court Summons and Legal Notice ScamA WhatsApp or email shows an official-looking court notice or arrest warrant and offers to settle…Fake Driving Licence and Passport Agent ScamFake websites and agents promise a licence without a test or a quick passport appointment for a…FASTag KYC Update and Recharge ScamA text says your FASTag will be blocked without a KYC update or recharge and gives a number or…TRAI SIM Block in 24 Hours Call ScamA call claims to be the telecom regulator and says your SIM will be blocked in two hours for…Mobile Number Deactivation KYC Text ScamA text says your SIM will be deactivated unless you update KYC today and asks you to call a number…SIM Swap and Duplicate SIM FraudFraudsters get a duplicate SIM for your number, take your OTPs and empty accounts. Sudden loss of…5G SIM Upgrade Link ScamA message offers a free 5G SIM or network upgrade through a link or app. It installs spyware or…Call Forwarding Code ScamA caller asks you to dial a special code on your phone for a delivery or a refund. It forwards…Missed Call Callback ScamA missed call from an unusual number tempts you to call back and pay high charges, or leads to a…Mobile Tower Installation Rent ScamA letter or call promises large monthly rent for a mobile tower on your roof or land, then asks…Broadband and Fibre Installation Engineer ScamA caller offers a cheap broadband or fibre plan or says your router needs an upgrade, asks for an…DTH and Set-Top Box KYC Recharge ScamA call or SMS says your DTH channels will stop unless KYC is updated or a recharge is done through…Loan App Harassment and Morphed Photo ScamIllegal instant loan apps take contact and photo access, then send threats and morphed images to…Advance Fee Loan Approval ScamA loan is approved without checks, but you must first pay processing, insurance or GST. After you…Fake Offer Letter and Joining Fee ScamA fake offer letter from a known company asks for a joining, laptop or training deposit. Real…Overseas Job and Work Visa Agent ScamAgents promise well-paid jobs abroad and collect visa and ticket fees, then vanish or send people…Chit Fund and Deposit Scheme Collapse ScamLocal schemes collect deposits for high monthly interest or chit returns, then close or vanish.…MLM Network Marketing Recruitment ScamA pitch promises big income from a joining kit and from recruiting others. Income comes mostly…Fake SEBI-Registered Adviser Impersonation ScamScammers pose as registered advisers or well-known brokers, quote copied registration details and…Instagram Boutique Seller Asking for Advance PaymentA small Instagram page sells sarees, jewellery or gadgets by DM, takes an advance by UPI and then…Cash on Delivery Parcel Swap and Wrong-Product TrickA delivery person asks for cash for a parcel you never ordered, or a package contains a swapped…Army Officer Selling Goods on a MarketplaceA seller in an army or police uniform lists a cheap bike or car 'due to transfer' and asks for…Fake Customer Care Number Found on Google SearchYou search for a company's customer care number and land on a fake listing run by a scammer who…Refund Scam with a Rs 1 Test Payment LinkAfter you cancel an order, a caller says a refund link needs a small test payment first. The link…Fake Delivery Address Update and Redelivery FeeAn SMS says your parcel is on hold because the address is incomplete and asks for a small fee on a…Fake Order Confirmation and Cancel Request CallAn SMS or call says an expensive order was placed in your name and offers a cancel link. The…Flat Rental Token Advance ScamA too-cheap flat or PG listing asks for a token to hold it, then the 'owner' disappears. See how…WhatsApp Group Reseller and Bulk Product OfferA WhatsApp group promises wholesale prices and easy resale profits for an upfront payment, then…Gift Card and Recharge Code Payment ScamA caller or chat contact asks you to buy gift vouchers and read out the codes, claiming it fixes a…Remote Access App Bank Refund TrickA caller offers a refund and asks you to install a remote-access app. Once he sees your screen, he…Screen Share Support Trick Posing as a Utility or Telecom HelpdeskA fake telecom or utility helpdesk asks you to open a screen-sharing app to 'fix' your SIM or…Fake Antivirus Pop-up Telling You to Call SupportA browser page flashes a loud virus warning with a helpline number or an 'install cleaner' button.…Fake Broadband Technician and Router Support CallA caller from your 'internet provider' says your router needs a verification payment or app. It is…Fake Laptop and Printer Support HelplineSearching for laptop or printer help brings up a fake service number. The agent charges for…Fake Windows Security Alert and Locked Browser PageA full-screen 'Windows security alert' locks your browser and shows a helpline. The page is fake…WhatsApp Account Takeover Through a Shared Verification CodeA stranger or contact asks for the six-digit WhatsApp code you just received. It lets them take…Wrong Number Message That Turns Into a FriendshipA polite 'sorry, wrong number' message slowly becomes a friendship, then an investment or gift…Hacked Friend's Account Asking for Urgent MoneyA message from a friend's hacked or cloned profile asks for urgent UPI money. Learn how to check…Fake Lottery and KBC Prize MessageYou are told you won a huge lottery or a quiz-show prize and must pay a tax or processing fee…Sextortion Through a Video Call RecordingA friendly stranger starts a video call, a recording is made and you are threatened with sharing…Morphed Photo Blackmail from a StrangerA stranger sends an edited explicit picture using your public photo and demands money. Learn why…Matrimonial Site NRI Match Sending a Gift ParcelA matrimonial match abroad promises a gift or marriage, then asks for customs fees or a transfer.…Dating App Match Who Introduces a Trading PlatformA dating app match builds romance, then recommends a trading or crypto app. Deposits look…Overseas Doctor or Soldier Profile Asking for HelpAn online partner who claims to be a doctor or peacekeeper abroad says he is stuck and needs…AI Voice Clone Call from a Relative in TroubleA call in the voice of your son, daughter or grandchild says there is an accident or arrest and…Deepfake Video Call from a Boss or Colleague Asking for a TransferA video call shows your manager or a senior colleague asking for an urgent payment. The face may…Fake RTO Challan or Vehicle App Sent as an APKA message says you have a pending traffic challan and asks you to install an app file to see it.…Instant Loan App That Steals Contacts and Threatens YouA quick-loan app asks for contacts and gallery access, then threatens to message your family when…Shop Counter QR Sticker Swap Targeting Small MerchantsScammers paste their own payment QR over a shop's real code so customers pay the wrong account.…Rooting or Modding Your Phone for 'Free Premium' OffersVideos and chats promise free premium apps or faster phones if you root or modify your device. It…SIM Swap Fraud and Duplicate SIM TakeoverYour phone loses network for no reason and OTPs go to a criminal's SIM. Learn the signs of SIM…'We Found Your Phone' Message with a Tracking LinkAfter you lose a phone, a message says it was found and asks you to click a link or pay a fee. The…Public Computer and Cyber Cafe Login TheftLogging in to bank, email or government portals on a cafe or kiosk computer can expose passwords…Farmer Loan Waiver and Subsidy Agent ScamA village agent says your name is on a loan waiver or subsidy list and asks for a fee. Learn how…Pension Life Certificate Call ScamA caller says your pension will stop unless you submit a life certificate now and asks for an OTP.…Student Visa Consultant Advance Fee ScamA study-abroad consultant promises a guaranteed admission and visa for a large advance. Learn how…Coaching and Exam Fee Refund ScamA caller offers a refund for coaching or exam fees but needs your UPI PIN or a small test payment…Army Transfer Tenant Advance ScamA 'transferred army officer' wants to rent your flat and pays an advance by making you scan a QR…PG and Hostel Booking Advance ScamA PG or hostel listing with cheap rent asks for a booking advance, then vanishes or shows a…Second-Hand Car Sale Deposit ScamA used car listed far below market asks for a token and a transport fee, then disappears. Learn…Smart Meter Installation UPI Trap ScamA caller says your meter must be changed to a smart meter today and sends a QR or app for a fee.…Fake Doctor Appointment and Lab Report Link ScamA message about your lab report or a doctor appointment carries a link that steals logins or asks…Ayushman Health Card Enrolment ScamSomeone offers to make your Ayushman or free-treatment health card for a fee or an OTP. See how…Medical Visa and Hospital Deposit ScamA broker promises fast hospital admission or a medical visa and asks for a big deposit that never…Cricket and Event Ticket Resale ScamTickets for a sold-out match or concert offered on social media may be fake or sold many times.…Hotel Booking Refund and Cancellation Call ScamA caller says your hotel booking failed or is cancelled and sends a link or QR for a refund. See…Pilgrimage and Holiday Package Booking ScamA cheap pilgrimage or holiday package takes an advance, then the hotel and travel bookings do not…Airline Refund and Customer Care Search ScamSearching for an airline refund number can lead to a fake helpline that takes card details or…Gold and Jewellery Monthly Instalment Scheme ScamA jeweller or agent collects monthly gold instalments with a bonus month, then closes shop. Learn…Fake Mutual Fund and Investment App ScamA fake mutual fund or wealth app shows rising returns, then blocks withdrawals and asks for more…Insurance Policy Revival and Claim Call ScamA caller says your old insurance policy has a bonus or can be revived, then asks for fees or an…ESIC and PF Claim Agent ScamAn agent offers to speed up your PF or ESIC claim for a commission and asks for your UAN login or…GST Refund Agent ScamAn agent or caller claims a large GST refund is pending and asks for a fee, login or OTP to…Fake Tax Notice Email ScamAn email with a tax notice or demand pushes you to open an attachment or pay a penalty. See how…Domain Renewal and Google Listing Scam for ShopsA small shop gets a domain-renewal invoice or a call to 'verify' its Google listing for a fee.…Business Loan Subsidy and Mudra Agent ScamAn agent promises a business loan or subsidy under a government scheme and takes a fee or margin…FSSAI and Trade Licence Agent ScamA caller says your shop needs an FSSAI or trade licence now or faces a fine, and takes a high fee.…Call Centre Job Security Deposit ScamA call centre or customer care job offer asks for a security deposit, uniform fee or training…Courier and ATM Franchise Agency ScamAn offer to open an ATM, courier or delivery franchise with guaranteed monthly income takes…Fake Land and Plot Seller Advance ScamA seller offers a plot or flat at a low price, takes a booking advance, and the property belongs…Online Tuition App and Course Fee ScamA free class or demo leads to a big course fee or subscription with a vague refund policy. See how…Electric Vehicle Dealership Booking ScamA deal on a popular electric scooter or car asks for a booking amount from a fake dealer or copied…Rooftop Solar Subsidy and Installation ScamA caller or door-to-door agent offers a rooftop solar subsidy for a fee or advance. See how fake…Wedding Vendor Advance Booking ScamA wedding photographer, caterer or hall offers a discounted package for an advance, then vanishes…Cab and Delivery Partner Onboarding Fee ScamA fake recruiter says you can join a ride or delivery app after paying for an ID, uniform or kit.…
What to do
- Hang up. A real bank or office will not mind that you call them back.
- Call the bank or office on the number printed on your card, bill or official app, not on a number the caller gave.
- Never share an OTP or PIN. No genuine staff member needs it.
- If you already installed an app on the call, uninstall it and switch on airplane mode, then call your bank at once.
- Tell a family member and report the number on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility).
Report the number on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility). If money moved, call 1930 immediately.
Check it before you tap or pay
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