How they actually get people.
Every one of these is running in India right now. The script barely changes - which is exactly why it is catchable.
Scam types
Advance Fee & Prize
- All scams
- Account Takeover & Identity10
- Advance Fee & Prize5
- Banking & Payments16
- Business & Corporate6
- Crypto2
- Device & Malware6
- Extortion2
- Government & Authority Impersonation13
- Investment & Trading12
- Jobs & Earnings6
- Loans & Credit1
- Relationship & Social3
- Shopping & Services8
- Tax, Insurance & Benefits4
- UPI & QR7
5 scams
Advance Fee & Prize · Giveaway fraud
Bogus Giveaway Scam
A social/video-platform post promises free money, products or prizes The objective is typically to take payment/crypto or steal account/payment information.
Also called free giveaway scam, prize giveaway scam
Advance Fee & Prize · Business opportunity fraud
Business Partnership / Large-Sum Email Scam
An email proposes a lucrative business partnership or access to a large sum of money The objective is typically to collect fees or misuse business/banking information under a fake partnership pretext.
Also called business proposal scam, partnership scam
Advance Fee & Prize · Inheritance fraud
Inheritance Advance-Fee Scam
A message says a wealthy person has died and the recipient can receive a large inheritance The objective is typically to collect advance fees and sensitive information for a nonexistent inheritance.
Also called inheritance scam, next of kin scam
Advance Fee & Prize · Lottery fraud
KBC Lottery Scam
A social-media or messaging post says the recipient has won a KBC-linked lottery The objective is typically to collect advance fees and identity/payment details for a nonexistent lottery.
Also called KBC WhatsApp lottery, crorepati lottery scam
Advance Fee & Prize · Prize fraud
Lottery / Winnings Advance-Fee Scam
An unsolicited communication says the recipient has won a lottery or large sum of money The objective is typically to collect escalating advance fees for nonexistent winnings.
Also called 419 scam, lottery scam, prize release scam
The tactics
Eight scripts that account for most of what lands on Indian phones.
The one that empties accounts fastestKYC / PAN / Aadhaar "expiry"
An SMS or WhatsApp from "your bank" says your KYC has expired and the account will be frozen within 24 hours. A link takes you to a page that looks exactly right, and asks for your card number, then the OTP.
The one that starts with ₹150 creditedPart-time task job
A WhatsApp message from an unknown international number offers ₹2,000-5,000 a day for liking YouTube videos or rating hotels. You’re moved to Telegram. The first three tasks pay real money into your account. Then comes the "prepaid task" - deposit ₹10,000 to unlock a bigger commission. Every deposit needs one more deposit to withdraw.
The one people are too embarrassed to reportDigital arrest
A call claiming to be CBI, Customs, or the Narcotics Bureau: a parcel in your name contained drugs, or your Aadhaar was used for money laundering. They move you to a video call with a fake police backdrop and keep you on it for hours, telling you not to contact anyone. Then they demand a "verification deposit" to a bank account.
The one that reverses the direction of moneyQR code "to receive"
You’re selling something on OLX or Facebook Marketplace. The "buyer" sends a QR code and says scan it to receive the payment. Sometimes they even send a small amount first to build trust.
The one that uses your own screen against youFake customer care + screen share
You Google a helpline number for a refund and land on a paid ad or an SEO’d fake page. The "agent" is helpful, then asks you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or Quick Support so they can "process the refund faster". Once installed, they watch you type your PIN.
The one that looks like a favourWrong transfer / refund reversal
Money arrives in your account. A stranger calls, distressed, saying they transferred it by mistake and please send it back. The incoming money is often from a stolen account or a credit that will be reversed - you end up paying twice.
The one that ends in blackmailInstant loan apps
A loan approved in four minutes with no paperwork - but the app demands access to your contacts and photo gallery. Repayment terms turn out to be brutal, and when you fall behind, they message everyone in your contacts and send morphed photos.
The one dressed up as financial literacyWhatsApp trading group
You’re added to a group with a "SEBI-registered" analyst and hundreds of members posting screenshots of profits. The calls are free and seem accurate. Then comes an invitation to a private app with a special IPO allotment or block deal. The app shows your money growing. It just can’t be withdrawn.