Recharge Cashback and Free Data Offer Scam by SMS

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

SMS scams lean on short, urgent lines and a shortened link. The message looks official because the sender name (header) is shaped to resemble a real organisation. Recharge Cashback and Free Data Offer Scam is one of the ways this shows up: Messages promise free recharge, bonus data or cashback on your next top-up through a link. The page collects UPI or card details or installs an app.

What recharge cashback and free data offer scam looks like by SMS

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

The message arrives in a family or office group, often with a friendly voice and emoji. It names a major operator and a festival, an anniversary or a cricket match as the reason. It says the offer ends soon. Because it comes from a contact, people trust it, and the forward chain makes it feel like a common offer that many people already used.

Red flags to check on the text message

• A free recharge for months is offered to everyone.
• You must share the message with many groups to unlock it.
• A Re 1 payment is needed to verify your number.
• It asks for a UPI PIN to receive a reward.
• It promises a refund, prize or cashback you never asked for.
• It tells you to install an app from a link instead of the official store.

What to do

1. Do not tap the link or forward it.
2. Check offers inside your operator's official app only.
3. Tell the person who sent it that it may be a scam.
4. Paste the text into a scam checker (Safeavio Sentinel can check it) before you do anything else.
5. Report the sender on the Sanchar Saathi portal (Chakshu facility) and block the number.
6. Delete the message and tell family members who may get the same text.

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 right away if any money was taken, even a small amount.
2. Ask your bank through the number on your card to block the card or UPI if you shared details.
3. Uninstall any app you installed and review permissions.
4. File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in with the link and screenshots.

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

Safeavio Sentinel's link check lets you paste the offer link before you open it and shows lookalike or shortened-link signs. The scam check reads the forward you share and explains why the offer looks risky, such as a share demand and a PIN request. The Money Shield checklist reminds you that you never need a PIN to receive money. Safeavio cannot confirm genuine operator offers, so use the operator's app.

Full guide: Recharge Cashback and Free Data Offer Scam: how it works, signs and what to do. Other channels: WhatsApp, social media.

Questions