In short
An unsolicited call or IVR claims that you or a loved one are linked to a serious crime The objective is typically to extort money through a fabricated legal case or obtain credentials for further fraud.
What it is
The caller poses as Police, CBI, Narcotics, RBI, Telecom or another authority and may allege drugs, fake passports/SIMs, Aadhaar misuse, money laundering or terrorism. The victim is then pushed to stay on a call/video call, keep the matter secret, provide personal/financial information, or transfer money to settle/verify the case.
How it starts
An unsolicited call or IVR claims that you or a loved one are linked to a serious crime.
What they tell you
The caller poses as Police, CBI, Narcotics, RBI, Telecom or another authority and may allege drugs, fake passports/SIMs, Aadhaar misuse, money laundering or terrorism
What they want you to do
Stay on a call/video call, keep the matter secret, provide personal/financial information, or transfer money to settle/verify the case
How you lose money
extort money through a fabricated legal case or obtain credentials for further fraud
What happens next
After the first successful step, the fraudster may demand more money/information, deepen account or device access, or disappear.
Warning signs
authority | fear | urgency | isolation | secrecy | caller ID spoofing | video-call legitimacy theatre
Where this is documented
India — officially documented by an Indian authority/regulator
How to avoid it
Verify the claim using the agency's official website or published helpline; do not transfer money or share OTP/PIN because of an unsolicited threat.
If it already happened
Contact the bank/payment provider immediately if money moved; report financial cyber fraud promptly via 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in; preserve messages, transaction IDs, phone numbers and URLs.