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
Government & Authority Impersonation
- 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
13 scams
Government & Authority Impersonation · Customs impersonation
Customs Authority Impersonation Scam
A caller or message invokes Customs to justify a fund, parcel, clearance or payment demand The objective is typically to extract advance fees or credentials through false Customs authority.
Also called customs clearance scam, fake customs officer
Government & Authority Impersonation · Delivery-service impersonation
Delivery-Agent USSD Call-Forwarding Scam
A caller posing as a delivery agent asks the victim to dial a code or follow unusual phone instructions The objective is typically to redirect calls/OTPs and facilitate account takeover or financial fraud.
Also called USSD forwarding scam, delivery OTP diversion
Government & Authority Impersonation · Law-enforcement impersonation
Digital Arrest Scam
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.
Also called cyber arrest, digital arrest
Government & Authority Impersonation · Utility impersonation
Electricity Bill Disconnection SMS Scam
An SMS claims that an electricity bill is unpaid and service will be disconnected The objective is typically to steal credentials, install malware or obtain fraudulent payment.
Also called electricity disconnection scam, power bill scam
Government & Authority Impersonation · Executive/regulatory impersonation
Executive / Regulator Impersonation WhatsApp Takeover Scam
A high-trust authority or executive identity is used to get the victim to run or open a malicious item The objective is typically to take over WhatsApp/account access and enable high-value financial fraud.
Also called executive WhatsApp takeover, regulator malware scam
Government & Authority Impersonation · Central-bank impersonation
Fake RBI Fund / Compensation Offer Scam
A message promises a large sum, remittance, compensation or fund allegedly connected to RBI or another public authority The objective is typically to collect repeated advance fees before disappearing.
Also called RBI compensation scam, fund release scam
Government & Authority Impersonation · Recruitment impersonation
Fake RBI Recruitment / Job Offer Scam
An unsolicited email or message offers employment allegedly from RBI The objective is typically to steal information or money using a fake RBI recruitment pretext.
Also called RBI recruitment scam
Government & Authority Impersonation · Central-bank impersonation
Fake RBI Website Credential Scam
A lookalike website imitates RBI branding and may advertise a bank-verification function The objective is typically to capture sensitive banking information for identity theft or financial fraud.
Also called RBI phishing site, fake Reserve Bank site
Government & Authority Impersonation · Fake official correspondence
Forged Regulator Letter / Email Scam
A letter, email or message uses a regulator's logo and official-looking formatting The objective is typically to use false official legitimacy to extract money or sensitive data.
Also called fake government letter, fake regulator email
Government & Authority Impersonation · Tax-authority impersonation
Income Tax Authority Impersonation Scam
A communication invokes the Income Tax Department to support a money, refund, penalty or verification story The objective is typically to use tax-authority credibility to obtain money or sensitive information.
Also called income tax impersonation, tax officer scam
Government & Authority Impersonation · Telecom regulator impersonation
Mobile Tower Installation Offer Scam
Someone offers unusually attractive rental income for installing a mobile tower on your property The objective is typically to collect advance fees and personal information for a nonexistent tower arrangement.
Also called TRAI tower scam, tower rental scam
Government & Authority Impersonation · Transport-service impersonation
NHAI FASTag Annual Pass Impersonation Scam
A website or message promotes a FASTag Annual Pass while impersonating NHAI The objective is typically to capture payment/identity information or collect fraudulent payments through a phishing site.
Also called FASTag annual pass scam, NHAI phishing
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.