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
Account Takeover & Identity · Social-account phishing
Fake Social-Media Verification Badge Scam
A message/page offers or threatens account verification and uses the platform's verification-badge concept The objective is typically to steal credentials and take over the social-media account.
Also called blue tick scam, verification badge phishing
Investment & Trading · Fake investment platform
Fake Trading App Scam
An app or platform presents itself as a legitimate securities-trading service The objective is typically to collect deposits into a fraudulent platform and block or manipulate withdrawals.
Also called fake stock app, fraudulent trading platform
UPI & QR · Reward phishing
Fake UPI Cashback / Reward Link Scam
A message or promotion promises cashback, a reward or another benefit through a link or payment step The objective is typically to steal credentials or cause a fraudulent debit.
Also called cashback scam, reward link scam
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
Banking & Payments · Voice social engineering
Fraud Call / Vishing Scam
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.
Also called fraud call, vishing
UPI & QR · Collect-request abuse
Fraudulent UPI Collect Request
An unexpected UPI collect request arrives, often accompanied by a convincing story The objective is typically to authorize a payment to the fraudster.
Also called UPI request money scam, collect request scam
Investment & Trading · Return-guarantee fraud
Guaranteed / Quick Return Investment Scam
An investment is sold with assured, guaranteed, near-certain or exceptionally quick returns The objective is typically to obtain funds for a fraudulent/unregulated scheme or expose the victim to major investment loss.
Also called assured return scam, double money scam
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
Account Takeover & Identity · Government-account takeover
Income Tax E-filing Account Takeover / Misuse
An Income Tax e-filing account is compromised or accessed without authorization The objective is typically to misuse the tax account, identity information or linked services.
Also called e-filing hack, income tax account takeover
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
Tax, Insurance & Benefits · Insurance authority impersonation
Insurance Regulator Spurious Call / Fictitious Offer Scam
A phone call or offer uses insurance-regulator/insurance language to present a fictitious financial opportunity or benefit The objective is typically to extract money or sensitive information through a fictitious insurance-related offer.
Also called IRDAI call scam, insurance offer scam
Banking & Payments · Online banking fraud
Internet Banking Account Takeover
Credentials or authentication are stolen to gain unauthorized access to internet banking The objective is typically to access the account and transfer funds without authorization.
Also called netbanking fraud, online banking takeover
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.