These 5 Everyday Scams Are Rampant in India! If You Don't Watch Out Now, Your Bank Account Could Be Emptied
Online Scams in India: In today's digital age, as the methods of fraud have become more sophisticated, more and more ordinary people are falling into their traps.
Online Scams in India: In today's digital age, the methods of fraud have become so smart that ordinary people are increasingly falling into their traps. Sometimes it's a call from an unknown number, sometimes a link on WhatsApp, and sometimes a fake website—scammers are using new tactics every day. Using names like UPI, banking, jobs, and KYC, these people steal your hard-earned money and personal information. Therefore, you must recognize these common scams and protect yourself in time.
UPI and OTP Related Scams
In this type of scam, the caller identifies themselves as a bank official, customer care representative, or someone close to an acquaintance. They ask you to share your OTP, approve a UPI request, or share your screen under some pretext. As soon as you comply, the money disappears from your account in a matter of seconds.
How to avoid this: Never share information like OTP, UPI PIN, or CVV with anyone, no matter how trustworthy they seem. Banks or UPI apps never ask for OTPs over the phone. Carefully check any payment request before approving it.
Fake Job and Work-from-Home Offers
Some job offers that arrive on WhatsApp or Telegram look very easy and attractive. Initially, they lure you with the promise of high earnings, then they ask for registration fees, security deposits, or training charges. Sometimes, they gain your trust by paying a small amount of money and then commit a larger fraud later.
How to avoid this: No legitimate company asks for money to offer a job. Always check the company's official website before applying. If you are promised a lot of money for little effort, understand that something is wrong.
Fake Customer Care Numbers
Often, people search for customer care numbers on the internet for help with a service and call the number that appears at the top of the search results. The scammer, sitting on the other side, installs a remote access app or asks for an OTP under the pretext of solving a problem. After this, they gain access to your phone and accounts.
How to avoid this:
Always use the customer care number provided on the company's official website or app. Do not install remote access apps at the behest of an unknown person. Stay away from numbers given in social media comments.
Lottery, Prize, and Gift Scams
Suddenly, you receive a message saying you've won a big lottery or an expensive phone. You are asked to pay a small processing fee to claim the prize. As soon as the money is sent, both the messages and calls stop.
How to avoid this:
You cannot win a lottery you haven't participated in. Do not pay money to claim any prize. Ignoring such messages from unknown or foreign numbers is the best approach.
Fake KYC and SIM Blocking Threats
A new way to scare people these days is by sending messages threatening that their bank account or SIM will be blocked soon. In a panic, people click on the given link or share their information, and that's where the scam begins.
How to avoid this:
KYC updates are only done through the bank branch or the official app. Do not click on any suspicious links. If you receive such an alert, contact your bank or telecom company directly.
Simple Rules for Staying Safe
Keep an eye on the activity related to your bank account and digital wallets. Use strong passwords and always enable two-factor authentication. In case of any fraud, immediately file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930. Most importantly, don't panic; think carefully before taking any action, as scammers take advantage of haste.
