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
Relationship & Social · Matrimonial fraud
Online Matrimonial Fraud
A false profile or identity is used on a matrimonial platform to deceive a prospective partner The objective is typically to exploit relationship trust for financial or identity fraud.
Also called marriage scam, matrimony fraud, shaadi scam
Jobs & Earnings · Task/recharge fraud
Part-Time Task / Ponzi Job Scam
A website/app/group offers part-time earnings for simple tasks and may initially show or pay small returns The objective is typically to trap the victim in escalating deposits and withhold the supposed balance.
Also called part time scam, recharge scam, review job scam, task scam
Banking & Payments · SMS phishing
Payment / Banking Smishing Scam
A text message pretends to be from a trusted service and contains a malicious or deceptive call to action The objective is typically to steal credentials, install malware or cause unauthorized payment.
Also called SMS phishing, text-message scam
Account Takeover & Identity · Identity/account compromise
Profile Hacking / Identity Theft
A social or online profile is taken over or personal identity data is stolen for fraud The objective is typically to take over accounts, impersonate the victim or enable financial fraud.
Also called identity theft, profile hack
Investment & Trading · Market manipulation
Pump and Dump Scam
A stock is aggressively promoted to drive buying and price increases The objective is typically to leave late buyers with losses when promoters sell and the price collapses.
Also called pump dump, stock manipulation scam
UPI & QR · QR substitution
QR Code Tampering Scam
A legitimate-looking QR code has been replaced or altered to redirect the victim elsewhere The objective is typically to redirect payment or steal login/financial information through a malicious destination.
Also called QR sticker scam, fake QR
Extortion · Cyber extortion
Ransomware Extortion
Malware encrypts, locks or disrupts systems and the attacker demands payment The objective is typically to extort money after compromising systems/data, with no guarantee of recovery.
Also called crypto-locker, ransomware scam
Jobs & Earnings · Advance-fee recruitment
Recruitment Advance-Fee Scam
An unsolicited recruiter offers a job and makes payment a condition of moving forward The objective is typically to collect advance fees and personal data for a job that does not materialize.
Also called job fee scam, placement fee scam
Relationship & Social · Romance fraud
Romance / Dating App Fraud
A fraudster builds an online romantic relationship using a false or misleading identity The objective is typically to convert emotional trust into repeated financial transfers or related fraud.
Also called dating scam, romance scam
Banking & Payments · Remote-access social engineering
Screen-Sharing / Remote-Access Payment Scam
An unknown person asks the victim to install or use a screen-sharing or SMS-forwarding app The objective is typically to expose OTPs, credentials or transaction details and enable unauthorized payments.
Also called AnyDesk scam, remote support fraud, screen share scam
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
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.