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
Shopping & Services
- 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
8 scams
Shopping & Services · Marketplace impersonation
Army Personnel Marketplace Impersonation Scam
A fraudster uses Army personnel details or identity cues to create trust in a buying/selling transaction The objective is typically to exploit the trusted identity to induce a fraudulent payment.
Also called army officer OLX scam, military buyer scam
Shopping & Services · Fake merchant
Fake Cash-on-Delivery Online Store Scam
A fake store uses Cash on Delivery to reduce suspicion and make the order feel safer The objective is typically to obtain payment for fake, wrong or fraudulent goods/order activity.
Also called COD scam, cash on delivery fake store
Shopping & Services · Donation fraud
Fake Charity Appeal Scam
A person or page poses as a charitable organization, often around a crisis or emotionally compelling cause The objective is typically to divert donations to the fraudster rather than the claimed cause.
Also called charity scam, donation scam
Shopping & Services · Fake merchant
Fake Online Store / E-commerce Scam
A fraudulent online shop is set up to look like a real merchant and advertise attractive products/offers The objective is typically to collect payment/data without delivering the promised legitimate goods or service.
Also called fake ecommerce site, shopping website scam
Shopping & Services · Merchant impersonation
Fake Restaurant Website Scam
A fake website impersonates a restaurant or food business The objective is typically to steal payment information or collect fraudulent payments.
Also called fake food ordering site, restaurant phishing
Shopping & Services · Search/support manipulation
Search-Engine Fake Support Result Scam
A search for a bank/merchant helpline surfaces a fraudulent number or page The objective is typically to steal credentials or induce payments while impersonating support.
Also called Google customer care scam, fake support search result
Shopping & Services · Search manipulation
Search-Engine Poisoned / Manipulated Site Scam
Search rankings are manipulated so users encounter an unlawful or malicious site high in results The objective is typically to redirect victims into phishing, malware, fraudulent payments or other unlawful activity.
Also called SEO poisoning scam, malicious search result
Shopping & Services · Support impersonation
Tech Support Scam
A caller, pop-up or message claims the device/account has a serious technical or security problem The objective is typically to steal credentials, take device control or charge fraudulent support fees.
Also called computer support scam, virus support 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.