India’s digital boom has made life easier but also opened up new ways for scammers to target unsuspecting users. Let’s explore the most common online scams, along with real-life examples and tips to help you avoid them.
1. Phishing Scams
What it is: Phishing scams involve fake emails, messages, or websites pretending to be from trusted organizations (like banks or government agencies) that trick users into sharing sensitive information such as passwords, account numbers, or credit card details.
Example: A person receives an email that looks like it’s from “XYZ Bank” warning them about an account issue. The email asks them to click a link to “verify” their account. The link leads to a fake website, where the user unknowingly enters their bank credentials. The scammer then uses this information to gain access to the account.
How to Stay Protected:
- Always check the sender’s email address closely for irregularities.
- Avoid clicking links in unsolicited emails; instead, go to the official website.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for extra security.
2. OTP and UPI Scams
What it is: In OTP (One-Time Password) and UPI (Unified Payment Interface) scams, scammers trick users into sharing an OTP or UPI PIN to authorize unauthorized transactions.
Example: A scammer calls a victim, posing as a bank employee, and claims there’s an urgent problem with their account. The scammer then asks for an OTP to “resolve” the issue. Once the victim provides the OTP, the scammer uses it to complete a UPI transfer, draining money from the victim’s account.
How to Stay Protected:
- Never share OTPs or UPI PINs, even if someone claims they’re from a trusted company.
- Remember, legitimate customer service representatives will never ask for OTPs.
- Set a low transaction limit on UPI to minimize potential losses.
3. Fake Job Offers
What it is: In fake job scams, scammers reach out to job seekers with fraudulent job offers, often requesting a “processing fee” or “security deposit” to proceed. No actual job exists, and the scammer vanishes after receiving payment.
Example: A job seeker receives an email offering a lucrative position at a well-known company but is asked to pay a ₹2,000 processing fee. After paying, they hear nothing further, and attempts to contact the recruiter go unanswered. Later, the job seeker learns the email was fake.
How to Stay Protected:
- Research the company and job listing to verify legitimacy.
- Legitimate companies rarely require payment for job processing.
- Use verified job portals, and check for job openings on the company’s official website.
4. Online Shopping Scams
What it is: These scams involve fake online shopping sites or social media pages advertising items at attractive prices. Victims are either sent counterfeit products or receive nothing after making a payment.
Example: A buyer finds a smartphone listed at an unbeatable price on a website that looks legitimate but is actually a fake e-commerce site. After making the payment, the buyer never receives the product, and the website is suddenly inactive.
How to Stay Protected:
- Only shop from reputable e-commerce sites or verified sellers.
- Look for reviews and ratings before making purchases.
- Use secure payment options like Cash on Delivery (COD) whenever possible.
5. Tech Support Scams
What it is: In tech support scams, fraudsters pretend to be support agents from trusted companies, claiming there’s an issue with the victim’s device or account. They then request remote access (to your phone or computer) to “fix” the problem, which leads to unauthorized access or malware installation.
Example: A user gets a pop-up message on their computer saying it’s infected and asks them to call a “Microsoft support” number. The scammer on the line then gains remote access to the computer and installs malware, stealing personal information.
How to Stay Protected:
- Only contact official tech support numbers from company websites.
- Never give remote access to your device unless you’ve verified the source.
- Install reputable antivirus software to help detect and block suspicious activity.
6. Loan Scams
What it is: In loan scams, scammers offer fake loans with “easy approval” and “low interest rates” but require upfront processing fees. Once the fee is paid, the loan never materializes.
Example: A person looking for a quick loan finds an ad for instant loans with zero documentation. After paying a ₹3,000 processing fee, the scammer vanishes, and the person receives no loan.
How to Stay Protected:
- Research lenders thoroughly and verify their legitimacy.
- Legitimate financial institutions don’t require upfront fees.
- Stick to established financial institutions for loans.
7. Investment Scams and Ponzi Schemes
What it is: These scams promise high returns with minimal risk, often using cryptocurrency schemes or fake stock tips. Scammers pay returns to initial investors with new investors’ money until the scheme collapses.
Example: A user is invited to a private investment group on WhatsApp, where they’re promised double returns within weeks. They invest, receive initial payments to build trust, and then invest a larger amount, after which the group shuts down, and the scammers disappear.
How to Stay Protected:
- Avoid any investment offering unusually high returns with low risk.
- Verify the credibility of investment advisors with SEBI.
- Stay cautious with schemes that sound too good to be true.
8. Fake Dating and Romance Scams
What it is: Scammers create fake profiles on dating apps and develop relationships with victims, eventually asking for money due to an “emergency” or travel costs.
Example: A scammer on a dating app builds a rapport with a victim over weeks, eventually claiming they need money for a medical emergency. The victim sends funds, only to find out later that the scammer’s profile was fake.
How to Stay Protected:
- Be cautious about sharing personal information on dating apps.
- Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
- Report suspicious profiles to the dating platform.
9. Lottery and Prize Scams
What it is: In lottery and prize scams, victims are told they’ve won a lottery or prize. To claim it, they’re asked to pay fees, taxes, or other costs upfront, but the prize doesn’t exist.
Example: A person receives an SMS claiming they’ve won a large sum in an international lottery, but they must pay ₹10,000 in processing fees. After paying, they realize there was never any prize.
How to Stay Protected:
- Remember, legitimate lotteries don’t require fees to claim prizes.
- Verify any winning claims directly with the official organization.
- Ignore unsolicited messages claiming you’ve won something.
10. Impersonation and Social Media Account Hacks
What it is: Scammers hack social media accounts and impersonate the account owner, asking friends or family for money or personal details.
Example: A person receives a message from a friend’s hacked social media account saying they urgently need money for a medical emergency. The victim sends money, only to learn later that the friend’s account was hacked.
How to Stay Protected:
- Enable two-factor authentication on your social media accounts.
- Contact the person directly if you receive an unusual request.
- Avoid sharing personal or financial information over social media.
General Tips to Protect Yourself Online
- Use Strong Passwords: Avoid reusing passwords across accounts and opt for complex combinations.
- Use Reliable Antivirus Software: This can detect malware, spyware, and phishing attacks.
- Be Wary of Public Wi-Fi: Avoid conducting financial transactions on public networks; use a VPN for added security.
- Regularly Monitor Bank Statements: Reviewing your financial statements helps spot unauthorized transactions.
- Stay Informed and Educate Others: Keeping updated on new scams helps protect both yourself and your loved ones.
Reporting a cyber crime in India
Reporting a cyber crime in India is crucial to protect yourself, prevent further attacks, and help authorities take action. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to report a cyber crime in India:
1. Collect Evidence
- Save all relevant data: Messages, emails, screenshots, call logs, bank statements, and any suspicious links or websites related to the crime.
- Preserve electronic evidence: Don’t delete any messages, emails, or documents that may be needed for an investigation.
2. File a Complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal
- The Indian government has set up a dedicated Cyber Crime Reporting Portal for online complaints. You can report various cyber crimes, including fraud, phishing, hacking, and harassment, here.
- Visit the portal at cybercrime.gov.in.
- Steps to File a Complaint:
- Go to the website and click on ‘Report Other Cyber Crimes’ for general complaints, or ‘Report Women/Child Related Crime’ if applicable.
- Create an account with your mobile number and email ID.
- Fill in the complaint details, including your personal information, details of the incident, and supporting evidence.
- Submit the complaint. You’ll receive a reference number for tracking purposes.
3. Visit Your Local Police Station
- Lodge an FIR (First Information Report) with the police station nearest to you, especially if the crime involves monetary loss or sensitive data.
- You can submit a written complaint along with all available evidence.
4. Contact the Cyber Crime Cell
- Many cities have dedicated Cyber Crime Cells where you can report cyber-related offenses. Visit the cell in your area if available.
- You can look up contact details for the nearest Cyber Crime Cell on the state police website.
- Here is the list of Cyber Cell in your city
5. Report to Specific Platforms if Necessary
- For scams on social media, fake accounts, or impersonation, report directly to the platform (e.g., Facebook, Instagram, Twitter).
- For financial fraud, you can also report to your bank to block your account and prevent further unauthorized transactions.
Important Points to Remember:
- Cyber Crime Reporting Portal accepts anonymous complaints if you don’t want to disclose your identity.
- Use the portal for a faster response, especially for non-emergency complaints.
- Follow up: Use the reference number to check the status of your complaint.
- Save copies of your complaint for reference.
Reporting cyber crimes helps curb online fraud and protects others from similar threats. Authorities are committed to investigating these crimes to maintain a safe digital environment for everyone.
