Scam Safety Guide — Protect Yourself from Fraud

💸 UPI Collect Request Scam

How it works: Scammer sends a UPI collect request saying "enter your PIN to receive money." Entering PIN actually sends money FROM your account.

🚩 Red Flags:

Anyone asking you to enter PIN to "receive" money
Collect requests from unknown UPI IDs
Urgency — "limited time offer"

You NEVER need to enter PIN to receive money
Decline all collect requests from unknown sources
Verify the sender's UPI ID before accepting

📱 Fake QR Code Scam

How it works: Scammer sends a QR code claiming it will credit money to you. Scanning it actually debits your account.

🚩 Red Flags:

QR codes sent via WhatsApp/Telegram to "receive" money
Buyers on OLX/Quikr sending QR codes

QR codes are for PAYING, not receiving
Never scan QR codes from strangers
Use UPI ID directly for receiving payments

🔄 Screen Mirroring / Remote Access Scam

How it works: Fake bank/tech support asks you to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer. They then see your screen and steal banking credentials.

Never install remote access apps on request
Real banks NEVER ask for screen sharing
Uninstall AnyDesk/TeamViewer if installed by someone else

🔢 OTP Sharing Scam

How it works: Caller poses as bank/TRAI/IRCTC official and asks for OTP to "verify your account" or "prevent SIM block."

🚩 Red Flags:

Any call asking for OTP
"Your SIM will be blocked in 2 hours"
"KYC update required urgently"

NEVER share OTP with anyone — not even bank employees
OTP is your digital signature — treat it like your PIN
Hang up immediately if asked for OTP

📲 SIM Swap Fraud

How it works: Scammer collects your personal details, then calls your telecom operator pretending to be you, gets a new SIM issued. All OTPs now go to them.

Enable SIM lock / port protection with your operator
If your SIM stops working suddenly, call operator immediately
Use authenticator apps instead of SMS OTP where possible

🪪 Fake KYC Update Scam

How it works: SMS/WhatsApp message says "Your account will be blocked. Update KYC now." Link leads to fake bank website that steals credentials.

🚩 Red Flags:

Links in SMS/WhatsApp for KYC update
Urgency — "account blocked in 24 hours"
URL doesn't match official bank domain

Always visit bank website by typing URL directly
KYC updates happen at branch or official app only
Check URL carefully — fake sites use similar-looking domains

📋 Aadhaar/PAN Misuse

How it works: Scammer collects Aadhaar/PAN copies and uses them to open fake bank accounts, take loans, or file fraudulent ITR.

Share Aadhaar only with verified entities
Use masked Aadhaar (last 4 digits visible) for most purposes
Lock your Aadhaar biometrics on UIDAI website when not in use
Check your CIBIL report regularly for unknown loans

💼 Fake Job Offer Scam

How it works: WhatsApp/Telegram message offers high-paying work-from-home job. After "registration fee" or "training fee" is paid, scammer disappears.

🚩 Red Flags:

Job offer via WhatsApp from unknown number
No interview required
Asking for registration/security deposit
Salary too good to be true (₹50,000/day)

Legitimate employers NEVER ask for money
Verify company on MCA21 portal
Search company name + "scam" on Google
Use only official job portals (Naukri, LinkedIn, Indeed)

📦 Part-Time Task Scam (Like/Subscribe)

How it works: Offers ₹50–200 per task (like YouTube videos, rate hotels). Initial small payments build trust, then asks for large "investment" to unlock bigger earnings.

No legitimate company pays for liking videos
Once you invest, money is gone — no recovery
Report to cybercrime.gov.in immediately

📈 Fake Trading/Investment App Scam

How it works: Telegram/WhatsApp group promises guaranteed 30–50% monthly returns. Fake app shows profits. When you try to withdraw, they ask for "tax" or "fee" first.

🚩 Red Flags:

Guaranteed returns (no investment is guaranteed)
App not on Play Store / App Store
Withdrawal requires additional payment
"Expert tips" from unknown WhatsApp groups

Only invest through SEBI-registered brokers
Check broker registration at sebi.gov.in
Never invest based on WhatsApp/Telegram tips
If returns sound too good, it's a scam

🏠 Ponzi / Chit Fund Scam

How it works: Promises high returns by recruiting more members. Early investors get paid from new investors' money. Collapses when recruitment stops.

Verify chit fund registration with state Registrar of Chits
Avoid schemes that require recruiting others
Check RBI/SEBI warnings list regularly

🎰 Fake Lottery / Prize Scam

How it works: SMS/email says you've won ₹25 lakh in KBC/lottery. To claim prize, pay "processing fee" or "GST" first. No prize exists.

🚩 Red Flags:

You won a lottery you never entered
Need to pay fee to claim prize
Contact via WhatsApp/personal number

Legitimate lotteries never ask for upfront payment
KBC/Sony never contacts winners via WhatsApp
Delete and block such messages immediately

🎁 Fake Cashback / Refund Scam

How it works: Caller claims to be from Amazon/Flipkart and says you're owed a refund. Asks you to install app or share OTP to "process refund."

Refunds are processed automatically — no OTP needed
Call official customer care numbers only
Never install apps on request from callers

🎣 Email / SMS Phishing

How it works: Fake email/SMS mimics bank, IRCTC, Income Tax, or TRAI. Link leads to fake website that steals login credentials.

🚩 Red Flags:

Sender email doesn't match official domain
Urgency — "act within 24 hours"
Link URL looks slightly different (e.g., sbi-bank.com vs sbi.co.in)
Asks for password or OTP on website

Always check URL before entering credentials
Bookmark official bank/govt websites
Enable 2FA on all important accounts
Use a password manager to detect fake sites

📱 Fake App Scam

How it works: Fake apps mimicking SBI YONO, IRCTC, or income tax portal steal credentials. Often distributed via WhatsApp APK links.

Only install apps from official Play Store / App Store
Never install APK files from WhatsApp/Telegram
Check app developer name and reviews before installing

📢 How to Report Cybercrime

1

Call 1930 Immediately

The National Cybercrime Helpline. Call within 1 hour of fraud for best chance of fund recovery. Available 24×7.

2

File Online Complaint

Visit cybercrime.gov.in → Report Cybercrime → Financial Fraud. Keep transaction ID, screenshots, and phone numbers ready.

3

Contact Your Bank

Call your bank's fraud helpline immediately. Request a hold on the fraudulent transaction. Most banks have 24×7 fraud lines.

4

File Police FIR

Visit your nearest police station or file e-FIR online. Mention "cybercrime" and provide all evidence.

5

Report to TRAI / RBI

Report spam calls to TRAI DND app. Report banking fraud to RBI Ombudsman at rbi.org.in/ombudsman.

Cybercrime Helpline

1930

Financial cyber fraud — 24×7

Police Emergency

100

Immediate police assistance

RBI Ombudsman

14448

Banking complaints

SEBI Helpline

1800-266-7575

Investment fraud

TRAI DND

1909

Spam calls & SMS

Women Helpline

1091

Online harassment