Scammers are finding new ways to trick unsuspecting people every day, with middle-aged and elderly individuals often targeted. Here’s a rundown of the most common phone scams in India, how they operate, and how to protect yourself. Stay alert and be prepared to identify these schemes before they affect you!
1. TRAI Phone Scam
- The Scam: Scammers call claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), accusing you of using your number for illegal activities and threatening to suspend it.
- The Truth: TRAI doesn’t suspend services; telecom companies handle this.
- Action: Hang up immediately and report the call.
2. Parcel Stuck at Customs
- The Scam: Fraudsters say a parcel containing restricted items (like drugs) has been intercepted at customs, demanding a payment to avoid prosecution. They pretend to be calling from DHL or FEDEX or other reputed companies.
- The Reality: Customs/Courier departments do not call individuals with such claims.
- Action: Disconnect immediately and report the number.
3. Digital Arrest Threat
- The Scam: Scammers pretend to be police officers, threatening online arrest or digital interrogation.
- The Reality: Indian police do not conduct digital arrests or interrogations.
- Action: Ignore these calls and contact your local police if concerned.
4. Relative Under Arrest
- The Scam: A fake officer claims a family member has been detained and demands money for release.
- The Reality: Law enforcement does not operate this way.
- Action: Call your family member directly to verify their safety.
5. Get Rich Quick Investment Schemes
- The Scam: Social media ads promising huge returns on investments in stocks, trading, or cryptocurrency.
- The Reality: These are high-risk schemes and often scams.
- Action: Always verify investment opportunities with a certified financial advisor.
6. High-Pay Tasks for Simple Work
- The Scam: Scammers offer high sums for completing simple tasks but eventually ask for “investment” fees.
- The Reality: Legitimate tasks do not require upfront investments.
- Action: Be wary of offers that sound too good to be true.
7. Bogus Credit Card Transactions
- The Scam: Callers claiming to be from your bank report suspicious credit card transactions under your name.
- The Reality: Legitimate banks do not call to confirm such details over the phone.
- Action: Contact your bank directly to confirm any transactions.
8. Mistaken Money Transfer
- The Scam: A caller claims they accidentally transferred money to your account and asks you to refund it.
- The Reality: Scammers may send fake screenshots and ask for real money in return.
- Action: Check with your bank before taking any action.
9. Expired KYC Alert
- The Scam: A caller or message requests an urgent KYC update and directs you to a suspicious link.
- The Reality: Banks conduct KYC updates in person or through their official website.
- Action: Never click on unknown links and always update KYC details directly with your bank.
10. Fake Tax Refund Calls
- The Scam: Imposters posing as tax officials promise large refunds, asking for your bank details.
- The Reality: Tax departments already have your bank information and do not ask for it over calls.
- Action: Check your tax refund status directly on the official government website.
How to Stay Safe:
- Verify: Always confirm the caller’s identity before providing information.
- Avoid Links: Don’t click on unknown or suspicious links.
- Confirm with Banks: For financial concerns, contact your bank directly.
- Report Suspicious Calls: Report suspicious numbers to the appropriate authorities.
- Avoid High-Return Schemes: Be cautious with “get-rich-quick” investment offers.
- Update KYC Securely: Complete KYC updates in person or through official channels.
- Keep Personal Information Private: Never share sensitive information over unsolicited calls.
Reporting a Scam:
If you come across any of these scams, report them immediately:
- National Consumer Helpline: Call 1800-11-4000
- Cyber Crime Reporting Portal: Visit cybercrime.gov.in
- Local Police Station: Contact your nearest police station
- Telecom Complaints: Report the number at Sancharsaathi.gov.in
Stay informed, alert, and cautious. By sharing this information and staying aware, we can help reduce the impact of these scams and protect each other from falling victim.
