Top 10 Scam Tactics Exposed: Don’t Fall for These Common Fraud Tricks
Cybercriminals in India are becoming more advanced, using tools like artificial intelligence to identify and deceive their targets. From recent graduates getting lured by fake job offers to elderly individuals being tricked into sharing sensitive financial data under the guise of KYC updates, the range of victims is expanding. Even middle-aged parents are being targeted with fake police threats. The scale of cyber fraud is growing at an alarming rate.
Despite repeated advisories from the Reserve Bank of India, financial institutions, and law enforcement urging people to avoid sharing sensitive information or falling for high-return investment schemes, the number of victims keeps rising. As reported by Economic Times, between January and May 2024 alone, the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal logged nearly 9.5 lakh complaints—which equates to a complaint every 14 seconds. The total reported loss during this period stood at a staggering ₹1,750 crore.
While middle-aged and elderly people remain the primary targets, even younger individuals are falling prey to sophisticated scams. Here are ten common fraud techniques being used today—read and stay vigilant.
1. TRAI Scam Calls
Fraudsters pose as TRAI officials, falsely accusing victims of having phone numbers linked to illegal activities. They claim the number will be disconnected and transfer the call to someone impersonating a police cybercrime officer. However, TRAI has clarified that only telecom operators have the authority to disconnect services.
2. Digital Arrest Threats
In this con, scammers pretend to be law enforcement officers. They accuse victims or their relatives of crimes and threaten “digital arrests” during fake video or voice interrogations. Authorities have confirmed they do not conduct arrests or interrogations online. Hang up and report the call immediately.
3. Fake Arrests of Family Members
Scammers claim a close relative has been arrested or is about to be. They demand money to “settle” the case, and some use AI to imitate the relative’s voice. The best defense? Stay calm and verify the claim directly with your family before acting.
4. Fraudulent Stock Investment Ads
Social media ads offering returns of 30–40% lure unsuspecting investors to fake trading websites. These platforms show fake profits initially, encouraging more investment. When users try to withdraw funds, the scammers disappear. As always: “If returns sound too good to be true, they probably are.”
5. Get-Rich-Quick Tasks Online
Another common trick involves scammers offering money for small online tasks like liking videos. Once trust is built, victims are coaxed into investing in cryptocurrency or other schemes. Initial small payments make it seem legitimate—but larger sums are stolen later.
6. Customs Parcel Scams
Victims receive fake notifications that a suspicious parcel in their name has been intercepted. They are pressured to pay bribes or click malicious links. Clicking these can give scammers control of your device. Hang up and never click on suspicious links.
7. Fake Credit Card Transactions
Scammers pose as bank officials reporting suspicious transactions on your card. They redirect you to a second fraudster who gains your trust and asks for sensitive details. Real banks never ask for CVV or OTP over the phone. Always verify transactions through your bank’s official channels.
8. Bogus Bank Transfer Messages
Some frauds begin with a fake SMS claiming money has been credited to your account. The scammer then calls, asking you to return the funds. But no money was actually transferred. Always verify your bank balance before making any transaction.
9. KYC Fraud Links
Fraudsters send links via SMS or email claiming you need to update your KYC information. These links lead to websites that steal personal data. Banks never update KYC through third-party links—they require in-person verification.
10. Fake Income Tax Refund Calls
Scammers impersonate tax officials and promise faster refunds in exchange for bank details. Once received, they empty your account. The Income Tax Department does not ask for sensitive information over calls—refunds are processed automatically to the registered account.