India's cybercriminals follow a playbook. Learn the red flag for each scam — and if something looks familiar, check it with Kavach One before you reply, click or pay.
A fake CBI, ED, customs or police officer on a video call says you're under "digital arrest" and demands "bail" by UPI. 1.23 lakh cases were reported in 2024 (Ministry of Home Affairs, March 2025).
Red flag: No agency arrests anyone or collects money over a video call.
WhatsApp and Telegram "VIP groups" promise guaranteed returns, IPO allotments or stock tips, often with fake SEBI registration numbers.
Red flag: Guaranteed or very high returns. Verify advisers on sebi.gov.in.
A caller says a parcel in your name with drugs or fake passports was stopped at customs, then hands you to a "police officer".
Red flag: Couriers don't transfer you to the police or collect fines.
An SMS says your account or KYC will be blocked today and asks you to "update" through a link that steals your login and OTP.
Red flag: Banks never ask for KYC updates through SMS or WhatsApp links.
Easy part-time money for liking videos or rating hotels. Small payouts first, then "prepaid tasks" that swallow your deposit.
Red flag: Any job that asks you to pay to earn.
A "buyer" sends a QR code or collect request to "pay" you. Scanning it and entering your PIN sends your money to them.
Red flag: You never scan a QR or enter a PIN to receive money.
A fake bank, RTO challan or government app arrives on WhatsApp. Once installed, it reads your OTPs and takes over your phone.
Red flag: Any app sent as a file instead of from the Play Store.
Weeks of friendly chat, then a "once-in-a-lifetime" investment on a platform the scammer controls.
Red flag: An online friend you've never met steering you to invest.
"Bank support" asks you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or a "QuickSupport" app — giving them control of your phone and accounts.
Red flag: Anyone asking you to install a screen-sharing app.
Instant loans with hidden charges that demand access to your contacts and photos, then harass you and your family.
Red flag: Lenders that aren't RBI-registered or want your contacts.
You've "won" KBC, a lucky draw or a government scheme payout — after a small "processing fee".
Red flag: You can't win a contest you never entered.
An SMS says your electricity will be cut tonight unless you call a number or pay through a link.
Red flag: Personal mobile numbers and same-night deadlines.
Fake exchanges and "mining" apps show growing balances you can never withdraw, or ask for your wallet's seed phrase.
Red flag: Never share a seed phrase — with anyone, ever.
A buyer on OLX or Facebook Marketplace — often claiming to be in the army — sends a QR code or asks for an "advance".
Red flag: Buyers who pay before seeing the item, using a QR.
A "telecom executive" offers a 5G upgrade or says your SIM will be blocked, then asks for an OTP to take over your number.
Red flag: Any SIM "upgrade" that needs an OTP.
A video or voice call that looks and sounds like a relative or official — generated by AI — asking for urgent money.
Red flag: Urgent money requests. Call the person back on their known number.
No genuine bank, courier or government officer will ever ask for your OTP, UPI PIN or CVV.
Look-alike websites such as "sbi-kyc-update.xyz". Type official addresses yourself instead of tapping links.
Fraudsters advertise fake helpline numbers. Find support numbers only in the official app or website.
Threats to leak a private video unless you pay. Don't pay — report at cybercrime.gov.in, which has a confidential option.
