Fraudsters are continuously coming up with new ways to deceive people, even using AI to identify vulnerable targets. Fresh graduates are receiving fake job offers, middle-aged parents face threats of police cases, and retired individuals are tricked into sharing financial details under the pretence of KYC updates.In India, cybercrime has grown to an industrial scale.Despite repeated warnings from the RBI, banks, and other organizations about the risks of sharing bank details or falling for enticing investment schemes, many still fall prey. Between January and May 2024, around 9.5 lakh complaints were registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal—equivalent to one complaint every 14 seconds, according to an Economic Times report. During this period, Indian citizens suffered losses totalling approximately Rs 1,750 crore due to scams.While middle-aged and senior citizens are the most vulnerable, young people are not exempt from scammers’ traps. Here are 10 common tricks scammers use to defraud you — stay alert!1. TRAI Impersonation ScamScammers pretend to be representatives from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), alleging your mobile number was involved in illegal activities and threatening to disconnect your phone service. The call is often transferred to someone posing as a police cybercrime official. However, TRAI clarifies that disconnection is handled by telecom companies, not TRAI.2. Fake Digital Arrest ThreatA fraudster impersonates a police officer, accusing the victim or their relative of a crime. A fake CBI officer then conducts a video or audio call interrogation, threatening a digital arrest. Police have stated that they do not carry out digital arrests or online interrogations. If you receive such a call, disconnect immediately and report the number.3. False Family Member Arrest ScamScammers pose as police and claim a close relative is about to be arrested on serious charges, demanding payment to drop the case. Some even use AI to mimic the family member’s voice. Do not panic—verify with your family before taking any action to avoid falling victim.4. Fraudulent Stock Trading SchemesSocial media ads promise high returns (30-40%) through stock investments. Victims are directed to fake websites showing fictitious portfolios. Initial small investments show high returns to lure victims into investing more. When withdrawal is attempted, scammers vanish. Remember, “A scheme that offers very high returns is an obvious scam. Don’t fall for them.”5. Easy Money for Simple Tasks ScamsScammers promise large sums for simple tasks like liking social media posts. After completing tasks, victims are pressured to invest in cryptocurrencies or other assets promising high returns. A small amount may be credited initially to appear legitimate. But after a large investment, scammers disappear. Always remember, “Schemes offering easy money are scams. Don’t be deceived by them.”6. Fraudulent Customs ScamsVictims receive messages claiming a parcel with contraband was seized by customs, prompting panic and payment of bribes or money to release the shipment. Avoid clicking on suspicious links as it can give scammers access to your device. Disconnect calls immediately and report.7. Fraudulent Credit Card TransactionsScammers call pretending to be bank executives, claiming a large transaction on your card needs confirmation. The victim is then connected to another fraudster who asks for card details, CVV, and OTP. If you receive transaction SMS, verify with your bank immediately.8. False Money TransfersVictims get fake texts claiming money was credited to their account. Scammers then call, saying it was a mistake and ask for the money back. Often, no money was actually transferred. Always check your bank account before responding.9. Fraudulent KYC UpdatesScammers send SMS, calls, or emails requesting KYC updates via a link. These links lead to fake sites that steal personal information. Banks never send online KYC update links and require branch visits or in-person verification.10. Fake Tax RefundsTaxpayers may get calls from scammers posing as tax officials, requesting bank details to speed up refunds. Once details are obtained, scammers drain accounts. The tax department sends SMS and emails directly to taxpayers and already has their bank details.
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