SAFEAVIOSENTINEL

Scams on WhatsApp in India

On WhatsApp the scammer can send images, voice notes, PDFs and APK files, and a friendly profile photo makes the first message feel safe.

What it looks like

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.…Fake Payment Screenshot ScamA buyer sends an edited screenshot showing a successful UPI payment that never reached your…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…Fake UPI Cashback Reward ScamA message promises a big UPI cashback or scratch card. To claim it you must share a PIN or approve…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…Wallet KYC Expiry ScamA message says your mobile wallet will be blocked unless you complete KYC today, and the link or…Wallet Top-up Cashback ScamA website or caller promises double balance or big cashback if you top up your wallet. The money…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…Mobile Recharge Offer ScamA message offers free recharge, extra validity or big cashback if you pay through a link. The link…Merchant Soundbox and QR Onboarding ScamFake agents tell shop owners they must pay a fee for a QR, soundbox or POS installation, then take…Net Banking Phishing Site ScamA link in an SMS or email opens a copy of your bank's login page that steals your user ID,…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…Credit Card Reward Points APK ScamA message says your credit card reward points will expire today and links to an app. The app reads…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…Fake Bank App APK ScamA message tells you to update your bank's mobile app from a link. The file is a fake app that…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…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'…Fake Bank Statement PDF ScamAn email or message sends a bank statement or credit card bill as a file or link. Opening it…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…KYC Update SMS Link ScamA text says your KYC has expired and your account will be blocked today. The link opens a fake…PAN Card Blocked SMS ScamA text claims your PAN will be blocked unless you update it now. The link is a fake form that…DigiLocker Document Phishing ScamMessages say your DigiLocker documents are expiring or need verification. The login page is fake…Voter ID Update WhatsApp ScamA WhatsApp forward offers a quick voter ID or voter list update. The file or link installs spyware…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…PAN-Aadhaar Link Deadline ScamA text warns that PAN will become inoperative unless you link it to Aadhaar today. The link…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…Courier Delivery Fee and Redelivery Link ScamA text says a parcel could not be delivered and asks for a small redelivery fee or address update…Income Tax Refund Fake Link ScamA message says an income tax refund is approved and asks you to confirm your bank account on a…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…E-Challan Traffic Fine Link ScamA text claims you have an unpaid traffic challan and gives a link to pay. The page takes card…Fake Court Summons and Legal Notice ScamA WhatsApp or email shows an official-looking court notice or arrest warrant and offers to settle…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…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…Recharge Cashback and Free Data Offer ScamMessages promise free recharge, bonus data or cashback on your next top-up through a link. The…Missed Call Callback ScamA missed call from an unusual number tempts you to call back and pay high charges, or leads to a…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…Part-Time Like and Rate Task Job ScamA WhatsApp message offers Rs 500 to Rs 5,000 a day for liking videos or rating products. The first…Prepaid Task Telegram Group ScamA Telegram group has you 'buy' items and promises the money back with commission. The merchant…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…Fake E-Commerce HR WhatsApp Job ScamA 'recruiter' from a known shopping or tech brand messages you on WhatsApp with an easy job, then…Scholarship Fee and Fake Portal ScamStudents and parents get messages about a big scholarship that needs a processing fee or bank…Government Scheme and Subsidy Registration ScamForwards offer free laptops, cash or subsidy under a government scheme if you register through a…WhatsApp Stock Tips Group ScamA free WhatsApp group shares stock tips that seem to win, then pushes a paid VIP plan or a trading…IPO Allotment Guarantee and Fake Trading App ScamGroups promise guaranteed IPO allotment or pre-IPO shares at a big discount through a special app.…Fake Trading App Withdrawal Fee and Tax ScamA trading app shows large profits but asks for tax, a deposit or an unlock fee before you can…Crypto Doubling and Telegram Signal ScamTelegram groups and apps promise to double your crypto or pay daily USDT returns. Early payouts…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…Forex and Gold Trading Signals ScamOnline coaches and apps promise steady forex, gold or binary options profits with signals. The…AI Trading Bot Guaranteed Returns ScamAn 'AI trading bot' app promises automatic daily profit with no risk. Deposits go to the scammer…High Monthly Return Ponzi App ScamApps offer daily or monthly returns on small deposits, pay early users on time, then vanish with…Fake Online Store Advertised on Instagram and FacebookA slick shop with huge discounts appears in your feed, takes your UPI or card payment and ships…Instagram Boutique Seller Asking for Advance PaymentA small Instagram page sells sarees, jewellery or gadgets by DM, takes an advance by UPI and then…OLX Buyer Sends a QR Code to Receive PaymentA buyer on OLX or Facebook Marketplace says 'scan this QR to get paid' and your account is debited…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 Product Review and Rating Task ScamYou are paid a few rupees to rate products, then asked to deposit money for bigger tasks that…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…Lookalike Brand Website with a Clearance SaleA site that copies a famous brand's name with one letter changed offers a huge sale. It takes…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 Broadband Technician and Router Support CallA caller from your 'internet provider' says your router needs a verification payment or app. It is…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…Fake Instagram Account Recovery and Verification Badge OfferA DM says your page broke a rule and offers a blue tick or recovery help via a link. The link…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…Deepfake Celebrity or Finance Expert Video Promoting an InvestmentA video shows a famous person praising a trading app or scheme. The clip is edited or generated,…AI Chatbot Fake Profile That Chats for WeeksA friendly profile replies instantly at all hours, with perfect grammar, and slowly steers you to…Wedding Invitation APK Shared on WhatsAppA WhatsApp message with a file named like a wedding card ends in .apk. Installing it can give a…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…Stalkerware Spy App Hidden on a PhoneA hidden spy app can show messages, location and calls to someone who installed it. Learn the…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…Browser Notification Spam: The 'Click Allow to Continue' TrapA website says 'tap Allow to prove you are not a robot' and then floods your phone with scam…Fake Android System Update or Security Patch Pop-upA pop-up or message says your phone needs an urgent system update and offers a download. The file…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…Fake Phone Cleaner, Booster and Antivirus AppsCleaner, booster and 'virus removal' apps promise speed but fill your phone with ads or ask for…Modded WhatsApp (GB WhatsApp and Similar) DownloadsModified WhatsApp apps promise extra features but come from unknown sources, can leak chats and…'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…PM-Kisan Status Update APK ScamA WhatsApp message says your PM-Kisan instalment is stuck and asks you to install an APK. See how…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.…Society and RWA Maintenance App ScamA fake message in the society group changes the maintenance QR or asks residents to install an RWA…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.…Gaming ID and Top-Up Sale ScamCheap in-game currency or a high-level ID for sale leads to a stolen login or lost advance. See…Disaster and Charity Donation QR ScamAfter a flood, accident or illness story goes viral, fake appeals share a personal QR. Learn how…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…Gold and Jewellery Monthly Instalment Scheme ScamA jeweller or agent collects monthly gold instalments with a bonus month, then closes shop. Learn…Crypto Airdrop and Wallet Drainer Link ScamA 'free token airdrop' link asks you to connect your crypto wallet and approve a transaction that…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…Mystery Shopper Task ScamA 'mystery shopper' job asks you to buy items or test a money transfer with money they send first.…Google Maps Review Reward ScamYou are paid a few rupees to review places on a map app, then asked to deposit money for 'higher…Relationship-to-Investment Chat Scam (Pig Butchering)A friendly stranger builds trust over weeks, then introduces a 'sure' investment platform. See how…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

  1. Do not click links or open files. Do not send money or codes.
  2. Open the chat, tap the contact name and choose Block and report.
  3. If it was a "friend", call them on the number you already have and ask.
  4. Turn on two-step verification in WhatsApp settings so a stolen SMS code is not enough.
  5. 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.

Check it before you tap or pay

Safeavio Sentinel is a made-in-India Android app: paste a message or link, or scan a QR code, and get a plain verdict with the reasons. It helps you spot a scam; it does not promise to stop every one.

Download for AndroidWhat the app does

Google Play listing: coming soon. Today the signed APK is on safeavio.com/download. Android 7.0 or later.