In today’s digital age, as fraud methods are becoming more advanced, more and more common people are falling into these traps. Be it a call from an unknown number, a link on WhatsApp, or a fake website—scammers are adopting new tactics every day. Using names like UPI, banking, job offers and KYC, these fraudsters steal your hard-earned money and personal information. Therefore, it is important that you recognize these common scams and protect yourself in time.
Scams related to UPI and OTP
In this type of scam, the caller pretends to be a bank officer, customer care representative, or a known person. They make different excuses to ask you for OTP, approve UPI request, or share your screen. As soon as you obey them, the money disappears from your account within a few seconds.
how to avoid it
Never share information like OTP, UPI PIN, or CVV with anyone, no matter how trustworthy it seems. Banks or UPI apps never ask for OTP over the phone. Verify any payment request carefully before approving it.
Fake jobs and work-from-home offers
Some job offers received on WhatsApp or Telegram seem very easy and attractive. Initially, they lure you with promises of high earnings, then ask for registration fees, security deposits, or training charges. Sometimes, they win your trust by giving a small amount first, only to do a bigger scam later.
how to avoid it
No real company asks for money to provide a job. Always check the official website of the company before applying. If a job promises high returns with less effort, then understand that something is wrong.
Fake Customer Care Number
Often, people look for customer care numbers online to get help with a service and call the number that appears at the top of the search results. The scammer sitting on the other side, on the pretext of solving the problem, gets a remote access app installed or asks for OTP. After this, they get access to your phone and account.
how to avoid it
Always use the customer care number given on the company’s official website or app. Do not install any remote access app on the advice of any unknown person. Stay away from numbers given in social media comments.
Lottery, Prize and Gift Scams
You suddenly get a message that you have won a big lottery or an expensive phone. To claim your reward, you are asked to pay a small processing fee. As soon as the money is sent, messages and calls stop.
how to avoid it
You cannot win a lottery in which you have not participated. Do not pay money to claim any prize. The best way is to ignore such messages from unknown or foreign numbers.
Threats of fake KYC and SIM blocking
Nowadays, a new way to scare people is to send such messages in which they threaten that their bank account or SIM will be blocked soon. In panic, people click on the given link or share their information, and this is where the scam starts.
how to avoid it
KYC updates are done only through bank branch or official app. Do not click on any suspicious link. If you receive any such alert, contact your bank or telecom company directly.
Easy rules to stay safe
Keep track of your bank account and digital wallet activity. Use strong passwords and always turn on two-factor authentication. In case of any fraud, immediately file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930. Most importantly, don’t panic; Think carefully before taking any action, as scammers take advantage of haste.