Scammers on the Prowl

A model from Agra received a call, purportedly from the CBI, claiming that her bank account had been misused for illegal activities. She was informed that she was under “virtual custody” and instructed not to switch off her phone. Remaining online throughout the ordeal, she was coerced into transferring ₹99,000 to their accounts.

Recently a senior citizen who paid crores of rupees to save his family members from allegedly terror-related cases. A female teacher died of a heart attack after the fraudster told her that her daughter had been found involved in pornography.

They can be ruthlessly unforgiving, targeting even those in grief. In one case, a man mourning the death of a family member was offered funeral services for a paltry ₹10,000. However, just minutes after transferring the amount, his account was emptied of several lakhs.

A tech professional lost ₹78 lakh to a fraudster promising quick returns through share trading. In Lucknow, a neurologist was coerced into a “digital arrest” for four days, losing ₹2.5 crore. Similarly, a share trader was swindled out of ₹1.5 crore in an identical scam.

The cases are endless. Just yesterday, the list grew to include a retired DGM of a bank, who fell victim to digital fraud, losing his entire life savings. Such incidents have become alarmingly common in India, with hundreds of people being duped daily. Many victims, fearing shame or stigma, choose to remain silent, hiding their losses from public view.

Every day, newspapers report three to four incidents of individuals falling victim to cybercrimes. Despite awareness campaigns by the RBI and banks, it’s surprising that most victims are educated individuals. It seems they are so engrossed in their professions that they neither read the news nor stay informed about the world around them.

Until people exercise caution with OTPs and suspicious calls, fraudsters will continue to exploit their fears and ignorance. Although I’ve discussed cybercrimes before, here’s an updated list of 30 common tricks used by scammers in India. The goal is to raise awareness and help people avoid becoming victims of these scammers.

1. TRAI Disconnection Calls: 

If someone claims your phone will be disconnected by TRAI, do not respond. TRY doesn’t suspend services, only telecom companies can.

2. Package Calls: 

If you’re contacted about a package, and asked to press any button, ignore it. 

3. Aadhaar Police Calls: 

Calls claiming to be from the police discussing your Aadhaar are fraudulent. Do not engage.

4. Digital Arrest Threats: 

If told you’re under “digital arrest by a police or CBI officer,” it’s fake. Do not respond. There is nothing like ‘digital arrest’ or digital interrogation.

5. Drug Package Claims: 

Allegations of drugs linked to you in a package or contraband are scams. Ignore them.

6. Secrecy Demands: 

If asked to keep the call confidential, inform the Cyber Crime Police at 1930 and also at cybercrime.gov.in.

7. WhatsApp/SMS Scams: 

Messages or calls via these platforms asking for personal details are scams. Don’t respond.

8. Mistaken UPI Transactions: 

Calls claiming someone sent money to you accidentally and asking for returns via links or QR codes are scams.

9. Fake Army/CRPF Buyers: 

Calls from supposed army or CRPF personnel wanting to buy your car, sofa or TV on OLX etc are scams. Ignore them.

10. Food Delivery Verification: 

Calls from “Swiggy” or “Zomato” asking you to confirm address or other details by pressing buttons are fraudulent.

11. OTP Sharing Requests: 

Never share your OTP for any reason, especially to cancel an order or ride.

12. Video Calls: 

Don’t answer calls on video mode unless you’re sure of the caller’s identity.

13. Blocking Numbers: 

If unsure, turn off your phone and block suspicious numbers.

14. Suspicious Links: 

Never click on blue links in messages or emails. These are traps.

15. Official Notices: 

Verify all notices from police, CBI, ED or other government agencies offline through official portals. Don’t go by spurious calls, messages or emails.

16. Court Summons: 

Ask for court summons to be sent by registered post. Verify any details like judge’s name or courtroom.

17. Police Summons: 

Legitimate police summons will come through your local station. Do not disclose your location.

18. Card Details: 

Never share your debit/credit card details, including CVV and expiry date.

19. Truecaller: 

Use Truecaller to identify spam or fraud calls. Don’t respond and immediately block such numbers.

20. Emergency Claims: 

Verify calls about accidents or emergencies independently. Contact the person or hospital directly.

21. Distress Calls at Night: 

Verify calls claiming a loved one is in trouble before acting. Contact the person or local authorities.

22. Family Member Arrested:

Scammers claim a relative has been arrested and demand payment to settle the issue. Verify first with family members.

23. Stock/Cryptocurrency Tips: 

Ignore messages advising stock, share, or cryptocurrency purchases with “guaranteed” gains.

24. Work-from-Home Offers: 

Promises of home-based jobs, online jobs and easy tasks with “investment” requirements are scams.

25. Loan Apps: 

Avoid apps offering “easy loans.” These often lead to unmanageable debt and financial losses.

26. Lottery Win:

SMS/ email stating you have won a lottery and asking for account details or a security deposit should be ignored.

27. KYC Expired:

Scammers ask for KYC updates via link/ phone calls. Banks don’t do so for updates.

28. Tax Refund:

Scammers pose as tax officials asking for bank details, while tax departments already possess such details.

29. Bills Already Paid:

Electricity, telephone or gas bills have been paid, but callers ask to confirm the same via a link. Just ignore and report.

30. General Warning: 

Scammers exploit greed and fear. Avoid “easy money” schemes or once-in-a-lifetime deals.

REMEMBER:

1. Government agencies do not call or send emails to request personal details.

2. All official communication is done on paper for accountability.

3. Always pause, verify, and think before responding to unsolicited calls, messages or links.

4. These vultures thrive on individual greed and fear. Remember, nothing in life comes for free. If you’re not involved in activities like drug trafficking, banned medicines, fake passports, illegal arms, human trafficking, money laundering, or other crimes, you have nothing to fear. Just keep in mind the wisdom of the three monkeys of the digital age.

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–Kaushal Kishore