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
Banking & Payments · Official reporting category
Internet Banking Related Fraud (Umbrella)
Online banking access or transactions are abused through credential theft, impersonation or account compromise The objective is typically to cause unauthorized internet-banking transactions.
Also called netbanking fraud
Device & Malware · Apple-account/device fraud
iPhone Hybrid Phishing / Unauthorized Access Scam
A phishing campaign targets iPhone users and combines social engineering with device/account theft or unauthorized access The objective is typically to steal credentials/device access and enable unauthorized account or financial activity.
Also called Apple ID phishing, iPhone theft phishing
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
Device & Malware · Malicious extension
Malicious Browser Extension Scam
A browser extension that appears useful or legitimate is malicious The objective is typically to steal data/credentials or manipulate activity for cyber/financial fraud.
Also called browser plugin scam, malicious Chrome extension
Investment & Trading · Malicious investment app
Malicious Sideloaded iOS Investment App Scam
An investment scam directs iPhone users to install a sideloaded app using configuration/provisioning profiles The objective is typically to compromise the device/account or collect investment funds through a malicious app.
Also called iOS trading app scam, profile sideload scam
Device & Malware · Malicious file delivery
Malicious Video-Conference Executable Scam
A malicious executable is distributed in the context of a video conference or collaboration interaction The objective is typically to infect the device and enable data theft, credential compromise or subsequent fraud.
Also called fake meeting update, video call malware
Relationship & Social · Relationship-to-investment fraud
Matrimonial Investment / Crypto Scam
A fraudster creates a false identity on a matrimonial platform and builds a relationship The objective is typically to convert relationship trust into investment or crypto losses.
Also called matrimonial trading scam, shaadi investment 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
Banking & Payments · Fraud-proceeds laundering
Money Mule Recruitment Scam
A person is recruited to receive and forward money through their bank account, often for a commission The objective is typically to involve the account holder in laundering proceeds of fraud and expose them to financial/legal consequences.
Also called account rental, money transfer job, mule account
Jobs & Earnings · Money-mule recruitment
Money-Transfer Job / Account Rental Scam
A 'job' or side-income offer pays the victim to receive and forward money using their own account The objective is typically to turn the victim's account into a conduit for fraud proceeds and create financial/legal exposure.
Also called account rental job, payment processing job
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.