The digital fraud storm
Every day, thousands of Indians, young and old fall prey to cybercriminals. From loan approval scams to fake police calls, sextortion via video calls, or bank KYC frauds, the list is long and dangerous.
But here’s the good news: You don’t need to be a tech expert to protect yourself. You just need to be a little smarter, a little more alert, and follow a few simple rules.
Let’s understand how these scams work and what you can do to beat them.
1. Fake Police or “Virtual Custody” calls
How It Works:
You receive a call from someone pretending to be from the police, CBI, or customs. They say you’re involved in illegal activities like drugs or money laundering. They ask you to join a video call or pay a fee to avoid arrest.
Red Flags:
- They threaten arrest or public exposure.
- They show fake ID cards on video.
- They ask you not to tell anyone.
What To Do:
- Stay calm. Don’t panic or respond emotionally.
- Ask their full name, police station address, and landline number.
- Say: “I’ll call my local police station and confirm.”
- Never pay or send photos/videos.
If they threaten you, just say: “I am recording this call. If you’re genuine, I’ll meet at the nearest police station. Let’s proceed legally.”
2. Spam and fraud calls
How it works
Fraudsters use auto-dialing software or stolen databases to call thousands of people daily. They often pretend to be from a bank, insurance company, government office, or even the police. The goal is to scare or lure you into sharing sensitive information like OTPs, Aadhaar number, PAN, bank details, or card PIN.
They may:
- Say your KYC is incomplete and your account will be frozen.
- Claim you’ve won a lottery or a government subsidy.
- Threaten arrest, suspension of services, or blocking of your SIM or account.
- Pose as technical support offering help with phone or app issues.
These fraudsters sound confident, use professional language, and may even know some of your basic information (like name or mobile number) to appear genuine
How to Detect:
- Numbers start with +92, +63 or random mobile numbers.
- They create urgency: “Your account will be blocked!”
- They ask for OTP, ATM card details, or PAN.
What To Do:
- Never share OTP, PIN or debit/credit card number.
- Install apps like Truecaller to identify spam numbers.
- If the person claims to be from your bank, ask for:
- Employee ID
- Branch name
- Landline to call back
You receive a call from someone claiming to be from XYZ Bank, informing you that your KYC is pending. Instead of panicking or giving any details, you calmly respond, “Oh, thanks for the information. I’ll visit the branch directly and complete it there,” and then politely disconnect the call.
3. Video call scams – The Sextortion trap
How It Works:
You receive a video call from an unknown number, often showing a woman. The call may start innocently and then suddenly turn inappropriate. The call is recorded and later used for blackmail.
Prevention Tips:
- Never accept video calls from unknown numbers.
- Block the number immediately.
- Cover your phone camera if the call connects accidentally.
If You’re Trapped:
- Do not pay.
- Do not panic.
- Report to Cyber Crime Portal: cybercrime.gov.in
- Contact local police or cyber fraud help.
4. Easy loan and investment scams
How They Work:
- You get SMS/WhatsApp links offering instant loans.
- You download an app, share personal info.
- Then they start threatening recovery calls with fake police IDs.
How to Avoid:
- Never apply for loans from random apps.
- Always check RBI registered NBFC list: rbi.org.in
- Don’t share:
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Selfie with ID
- Bank statements
Smart Tip:
If someone harasses you, say: “All your communications are recorded. This will be submitted to RBI and Police. Proceed at your own risk.”
5. Data theft through apps and websites
How it works:
Cybercriminals create fake mobile apps or clone genuine-looking websites offering shopping deals, job updates, or entertainment. Once you install the app or enter your details on such websites, they quietly collect sensitive data like:
- Contacts and messages
- Camera and microphone access
- Banking credentials
- Stored passwords or OTPs
Some apps even keep running in the background and monitor your activity, stealing everything from photos to WhatsApp chats.
These apps may appear legitimate but are designed to harvest your personal data and sell it on the dark web or use it for fraud, blackmail, or phishing.
Warning signs:
- Unknown apps asking for unnecessary permissions like camera or mic.
- E-commerce websites offering expensive products at 90% off.
- Apps not available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Redirects to suspicious payment gateways or asking to install APK files.
What you should do:
- Only download apps from official app stores (Google Play or Apple App Store).
- Check app ratings, reviews, and download count before installation.
- Avoid giving permission to access your gallery, contacts, or microphone unless absolutely necessary.
- Never click on suspicious links sent via SMS, email, or WhatsApp.
- Always check website URLs.
- Avoid saving your card or UPI details on lesser-known websites.
6. Psychological tricks fraudsters use
- Trick: Fear
- Example: “You will be arrested!”
- What It Means: They want to scare you into quick action.
- How to Respond: Stay calm and ask for official proof or documentation.
- Trick: Greed
- Example: “You’ve won ₹25 lakh!”
- What It Means: They’re tempting you with fake rewards.
- How to Respond: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Don’t share personal info.
- Trick: Urgency
- Example: “Act within 10 minutes or your account will be blocked!”
- What It Means: They want to rush your decision so you don’t think.
- How to Respond: Real companies or banks never force you to act instantly. Take your time to verify.
- Trick: Secrecy
- Example: “Don’t tell anyone about this offer or you’ll miss it!”
- What It Means: They want to isolate you from family or friends who might warn you.
- How to Respond: Always inform someone you trust. Two heads are better than one.
7. What to do if you’re a victim
- Dail official cyber fraud helpline
- Report Online: cybercrime.gov.in
- Inform Your Bank Immediately: Block cards/accounts if needed.
- Don’t Be Silent: Tell your family. Don’t suffer alone.
Your awareness is your shield
Today, scams are not just happening on streets, they are on our screens, in our hands. But you don’t need a cybersecurity degree to stay safe. Just be alert, aware, and assertive.
Golden Rules:
- Never share OTPs or personal documents online.
- Don’t trust calls that pressure or threaten you.
- Say NO and hang up.
- Always verify from official sources.
Share this article with your parents, neighbours, or domestic staff. Let’s protect each other. Because the more we know, the harder it gets for scammers to win.
