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
101 scams
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
Banking & Payments · Wallet fraud
E-Wallet Related Fraud
A digital-wallet account or wallet-linked transaction is targeted through social engineering, credential theft or unauthorized access The objective is typically to make unauthorized wallet transactions or move wallet-linked funds.
Also called mobile wallet fraud, wallet scam
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
Extortion · Threat-based extortion
Email Extortion / Sextortion-Style Threat Scam
An email claims the sender hacked the victim, has compromising information/video or can cause harm The objective is typically to extort payment through an unverified or fabricated threat.
Also called hacker blackmail email, sextortion email
Tax, Insurance & Benefits · Provident-fund impersonation
EPFO Impersonation / KYC Phishing Scam
A call, message or social-media contact claims to be from EPFO and asks for account or identity information The objective is typically to take over accounts or misuse personal/financial information.
Also called EPFO KYC scam, UAN phishing
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
Business & Corporate · Document/instrument fraud
Fake / Forged Bank Guarantee Fraud
A business deal is supported by a bank guarantee or financial instrument that is forged, fabricated or falsely represented The objective is typically to cause commercial loss when the supposed guarantee cannot be honored.
Also called bank guarantee scam, forged BG
Loans & Credit · Digital lending fraud
Fake / Suspicious Loan App Scam
A loan is offered through an app, SMS/social link or other channel that may not be tied to a legitimate regulated lender The objective is typically to steal money/data or expose the borrower to fraudulent lending/recovery practices.
Also called illegal loan app, instant loan scam
Account Takeover & Identity · Identity authority impersonation
Fake Aadhaar / Identity-Collection Agency Scam
A person or organization pretends to be authorized to collect Aadhaar identity information The objective is typically to misuse identity information for impersonation, unauthorized services or downstream fraud.
Also called Aadhaar agent scam, fake Aadhaar centre
Device & Malware · Technology-brand impersonation
Fake AI App / Website Scam
A fake app or website impersonates a popular AI service or uses AI hype to attract users The objective is typically to steal credentials/payment data or compromise the device.
Also called AI tool phishing, fake ChatGPT app scam
Jobs & Earnings · Task-job fraud
Fake CAPTCHA-Filling Job Scam
Online posts/messages advertise high-paying CAPTCHA-filling work with minimal effort The objective is typically to collect fees/data and withhold purported earnings.
Also called captcha filling fraud, captcha job 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
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.