In short
A caller pretends to represent a trusted institution and requests sensitive or transaction information The objective is typically to use voice-based social engineering to obtain credentials or cause an unauthorized transfer.
What it is
The caller invents a problem, verification need, refund or urgent account action. The victim is then pushed to disclose credentials/OTP/PIN, approve a transaction or follow payment instructions.
How it starts
A caller pretends to represent a trusted institution and requests sensitive or transaction information.
What they tell you
The caller invents a problem, verification need, refund or urgent account action
What they want you to do
Disclose credentials/OTP/PIN, approve a transaction or follow payment instructions
How you lose money
use voice-based social engineering to obtain credentials or cause an unauthorized transfer
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 | trust | vishing | caller ID spoofing
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.