Question 1

What is UPI / Net Banking Fraud and how do I recognise it?

Accepted Answer

Criminals impersonate bank officials or customer care to extract your OTP, UPI PIN, or net banking credentials. Red flags: Any caller asking for OTP, UPI PIN, or net banking password — banks never ask this; Urgency ('your account will be blocked in 2 hours'); Requests to install apps like AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or Screenshare; Requests to approve a 'test transaction'. What to do: Hang up immediately — do not stay on the call; Never share OTP with anyone, including someone claiming to be from your bank; If you've already shared OTP: call your bank's fraud line immediately, then 1930.

Question 2

What is Digital Arrest Scam and how do I recognise it?

Accepted Answer

Scammers pose as police, CBI, ED, or customs officials on video calls. They claim you're involved in a crime and demand money to 'settle the case' or avoid arrest. Red flags: 'Digital arrest' is NOT a real legal concept in India — no such thing exists; Real law enforcement NEVER contacts you via WhatsApp video call; Real officials never demand money over the phone to 'settle' cases; Keeping you on call for hours to prevent you seeking help is a control tactic. What to do: Hang up — 'digital arrest' is not real, you are not under arrest; Do not transfer any money; Call the real police: 112; Report to cybercrime.gov.in and call 1930.

Question 3

What is SIM Swap Fraud and how do I recognise it?

Accepted Answer

Criminals use your stolen personal details to get a duplicate SIM from your telecom operator. With your number, they bypass OTP-based 2FA and drain your bank accounts. Red flags: Your phone suddenly loses all network signal without reason; Telecom operator sends an unexpected 'SIM change' confirmation SMS; You stop receiving calls or SMS without explanation; Bank transaction alerts for transfers you didn't initiate. What to do: Call your telecom operator immediately if your phone loses service unexpectedly; Enable SIM lock/PIN with your operator; Check which SIMs are registered to your Aadhaar via Sanchar Saathi; Use authenticator apps (not SMS) for 2FA on your bank accounts where possible.

Question 4

What is Fake Investment / Trading Scam and how do I recognise it?

Accepted Answer

Fraudulent 'investment groups' on WhatsApp/Telegram promise high guaranteed returns from stock trading, crypto, or IPO applications. They show fake profits to build trust, then vanish with your money. Red flags: Guaranteed returns — no investment is guaranteed; Unsolicited addition to WhatsApp/Telegram 'investment' groups; Requests to use an unofficial app or website to invest; Profits shown on screen but withdrawal requires 'fees' or 'taxes' first; Pressure to recruit others ('refer and earn'). What to do: Never invest through apps or platforms not registered with SEBI; Verify any 'broker' or 'advisor' on SEBI's official website (sebi.gov.in); Leave any unsolicited investment group immediately; Report fake investment schemes at sebi.gov.in and cybercrime.gov.in.

Question 5

What is Phishing / Smishing and how do I recognise it?

Accepted Answer

Fake emails (phishing) or SMS (smishing) that mimic banks, delivery services, or government portals. They lure you to fake websites to steal your login credentials or personal data. Red flags: Check the actual URL — not the display text — before clicking; Banks never send account block notices via SMS with a login link; Urgency, threats, and countdown timers are manipulation tactics; Spelling errors or slightly wrong domain names (hdfcbank.support vs hdfcbank.com). What to do: Do not click links in SMS or email — go directly to the official website by typing the URL; Check the full URL before entering any credentials; Enable 2FA on your bank and email accounts; Report phishing SMS to Sanchar Saathi Chakshu; phishing emails to CERT-In.

Question 6

What is Fake Loan App Scam and how do I recognise it?

Accepted Answer

Unregistered apps offer instant loans with minimal documentation. They collect all your contacts, photos, and sensitive data, then harass you and your contacts with morphed images or threats if you miss a payment. Red flags: App not listed by a RBI-registered NBFC or bank; Asks for access to contacts, photos, and SMS during loan application; Promised amount is significantly lower than what arrives (fees deducted upfront); Extremely short repayment windows (7–14 days). What to do: Only borrow from apps/entities listed on the RBI's approved NBFC list (rbi.org.in); Never grant contact or photo access to any loan app; If you're being harassed: file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in immediately; Speak to the National Consumer Helpline: 1800-11-4000.

Attack Library

UPI / Net Banking Fraud

Digital Arrest Scam

SIM Swap Fraud

Fake Investment / Trading Scam

Phishing / Smishing

Fake Loan App Scam

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