Scam Directory
Know these scam types.
Understanding how each category of scam works is the first step to recognizing them before they cause harm.
Scam type
Phishing
Fake emails or websites designed to steal your login credentials or personal data.
Warning signs
- Urgent language: "Your account will be closed"
- Link goes to a fake lookalike domain
- Asks you to "verify" or "confirm" your details
- Sender address doesn't match the claimed brand
What to do
Do not click the link. Navigate directly to the official website and log in from there.
Scam type
Banking / KYC Fraud
Messages impersonating banks, RBI, or KYC services to steal account details or OTPs.
Warning signs
- Claims your account is blocked or under review
- Asks for OTP, card number, or CVV
- Has a link to a "portal" that looks like your bank
- Threatens legal consequences
What to do
Hang up or ignore. Call your bank's official number. Banks never ask for OTPs over calls or messages.
Scam type
SMS Scams
Fraudulent text messages that impersonate government bodies, banks, or utility providers.
Warning signs
- Sent from an unknown 10-digit number (not a registered sender ID)
- Contains a shortened link
- Claims to be from TRAI, government, etc.
- Asks you to click to avoid service disruption
What to do
Do not call back the number. Report the SMS to your carrier (DND registry in India).
Scam type
Fake Delivery Scams
Messages claiming a parcel is stuck and requires payment for customs, redelivery, or verification.
Warning signs
- Random parcel you weren't expecting
- Requests small payment (₹30–₹200)
- Link to a fake courier portal
- Urgency: "pay within 24 hours or return"
What to do
Check your order history directly in the retailer's official app. Legitimate courier services never charge customs via SMS links.
Scam type
Job & Work-from-Home Scams
Fake job offers promising high daily earnings, especially targeting unemployed or student populations.
Warning signs
- Guaranteed fixed daily income
- "No experience needed"
- Asks for upfront registration or training fee
- Contact via WhatsApp or Telegram only
What to do
Legitimate employers don't contact you cold on WhatsApp. Research the company independently. Never pay to start a job.
Scam type
Prize / Lottery Scams
You've "won" a prize in a draw you didn't enter. The catch is a fee to claim it.
Warning signs
- "Congratulations! You've been selected"
- Prize amount is very specific (₹25 lakh, ₹50,000)
- Requires processing fee or taxes upfront
- Asks for your bank details to deposit winnings
What to do
You cannot win a lottery you didn't enter. Do not pay anything. Report it.
Scam type
Payment & UPI Scams
Tricks involving fake payment requests, QR codes, or "collecting" money via UPI.
Warning signs
- "Sending" you money but actually asking you to approve a payment
- Fake QR codes in marketplaces
- Overpayment scam: they send more than agreed and ask a refund
- "Customer service" asking for UPI PIN
What to do
You never need to enter your PIN to receive money. Approve payment requests only for items you chose to buy.
Scam type
Brand Impersonation
Scammers pretend to be Amazon, Google, Apple, PayTM, or banks — often via customer service calls.
Warning signs
- Unsolicited call from "Amazon customer support"
- Email from a misspelled or lookalike domain
- Claims you've been charged and need to cancel
- Asks you to install AnyDesk or TeamViewer
What to do
Hang up and call the brand's official number from their website. Never grant remote access.
If you've already been targeted
Secure your accounts — change passwords immediately.
Call your bank to block cards or freeze transactions if financial info was shared.
Document everything: screenshots, numbers, URLs.
Report to the National Cybercrime Helpline: 1930 (India) or cybercrime.gov.in.
Warn friends and family if the scam was shared via your contact list.