In short
A victim searches online or on social media for customer support and reaches a number controlled by fraudsters The objective is typically to steal credentials or induce unauthorized payments while pretending to solve the original problem.
What it is
The caller claims to be authorized support for a bank, merchant or service. The victim is then pushed to share OTP/card/bank details, install remote-access software, scan a QR or make a test payment.
How it starts
A victim searches online or on social media for customer support and reaches a number controlled by fraudsters.
What they tell you
The caller claims to be authorized support for a bank, merchant or service
What they want you to do
Share OTP/card/bank details, install remote-access software, scan a QR or make a test payment
How you lose money
steal credentials or induce unauthorized payments while pretending to solve the original problem
What happens next
After the first successful step, the fraudster may demand more money/information, deepen account or device access, or disappear.
Warning signs
trust | urgency | authority | search manipulation | support impersonation | remote access
Where this is documented
India — officially documented by an Indian authority/regulator
How to avoid it
Use only the bank/payment app or official contact details; never share OTP, PIN, password or screen access; verify the payee and transaction purpose before approving.
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.