Here are some safety tips 

1. Advance Fee Fraud

How it Works: The scammer promises a reward (money, job, loan, etc.) in return for a small upfront fee. Once paid, the scammer disappears.

Examples

  1. Lottery Emails: A victim receives an email stating they have won ₹10,00,000 in a foreign lottery but must pay ₹5,000 as processing fees.
  2. Fake Government Schemes: A fake scheme claims to offer loans to farmers but requires a "registration fee" of ₹1,000.
  3. Job Offers Abroad: Scammers offer fake overseas jobs and ask for visa processing fees upfront.

2. Phishing

How it Works: Cybercriminals impersonate legitimate organizations through emails, calls, or messages to steal sensitive information like passwords, OTPs, or account numbers.

Examples

  1. Bank Fraud: Victims receive a fake email from "XYZ Bank" asking them to update their account details.
  2. UPI Payment Scams: Victims are sent a QR code and asked to scan it, which results in money being deducted instead of credited.
  3. Government Website Mimicry: Fake websites resembling government portals are used to steal Aadhaar or PAN details.
Learn how to stay safe from these Scams

3. Dating and Romance Scams

How it Works: Scammers create fake profiles on dating or matrimonial platforms to manipulate victims emotionally and financially.

Examples

  1. Medical Emergency: A scammer builds trust and then claims to need ₹50,000 for an emergency surgery.
  2. Fake Marriage Proposals: A fraudster promises marriage and demands money for visa processing.
  3. Gift Delivery Fraud: The scammer claims to have sent a gift and asks the victim to pay "custom duty fees."

4. Online Shopping Fraud

How it Works: Fraudulent sellers create fake websites or use stolen cards to conduct illegal online transactions.

Examples

  1. Fake Shopping Websites: A person orders a smartphone at a huge discount but receives a fake or empty package.
  2. Social Media Stores: Scammers advertise attractive deals on Instagram but disappear after receiving payment.
  3. Payment Gateway Scams: Victims are redirected to fake payment pages, leading to loss of funds.
Learn how to stay safe from these Scams

5. Identity Theft

How it Works: Scammers steal personal information to open fake accounts, apply for loans, or make unauthorized purchases.

Examples

  1. Fake Loan Applications: Scammers use stolen Aadhaar and PAN details to take out loans in the victim's name.
  2. Social Media Impersonation: Fraudsters create fake profiles and ask the victim's friends for money.
  3. Unauthorized Credit Card Use: A scammer obtains card details and makes illegal purchases.

6. Investment Fraud

How it Works: Fraudsters mislead victims with promises of high returns on bogus investment schemes.

Examples

  1. Ponzi Schemes: Scammers promise high returns and use new investors' money to pay old ones until the scheme collapses.
  2. Fake Cryptocurrency Platforms: Scammers lure victims to invest in non-existent cryptocurrencies.
  3. Unregistered Stock Offers: Fraudsters sell shares of fake companies promising massive profits.

7. Insurance Fraud

How it Works: Fraudulent claims or manipulation of insurance policies for monetary gain.

Examples

  1. Staged Accidents: Scammers fake accidents and file false claims with insurance companies.
  2. Policy Misrepresentation: Agents sell policies with false promises about returns or coverage.
  3. Fake Insurance Portals: Victims purchase insurance policies from fake websites and realize they're not insured.

8. Fake Employment Offers

How it Works: Scammers offer non-existent jobs and demand money for training, placement, or security deposits.

Examples

  1. Call Center Jobs: Scammers ask for ₹5,000 as a "registration fee" for call center jobs.
  2. Government Job Scams: Victims are duped with fake appointment letters after paying for "verification charges."
  3. Work-from-Home Scams: Victims are promised lucrative data entry jobs and asked to pay for software tools.
Learn how to stay safe from these Scams

9. Digital Arrest Threats

How it Works: Scammers impersonate officials and threaten victims with arrest unless they pay a penalty.

Examples

  1. Tax Evasion Calls: Scammers pose as income tax officers, accusing victims of tax fraud and demanding money.
  2. Police Impersonation: Victims are told they have been linked to illegal activities and must pay a bribe to avoid arrest.
  3. Cyber Crime Warnings: Fake cybercrime officers threaten legal action unless a "fine" is paid immediately.

10. Fraudulent KYC Updates

How it Works: Scammers trick individuals into sharing sensitive details under the pretense of updating KYC information.

Examples

  1. Fake SMS Alerts: Victims receive messages claiming their bank account will be frozen unless KYC is updated.
  2. Phone Call Scams: Fraudsters call elderly individuals, claiming to be bank employees, and steal account details.
  3. WhatsApp Scams: Fraudsters send a KYC link on WhatsApp, which leads to a phishing website.

11. Job Portal Scams

How it Works: Scammers post fake job listings on genuine platforms or use unofficial portals to defraud job seekers.

Examples

  1. Paid Access: Victims are asked to pay for access to "exclusive" job listings.
  2. Training Fees: Scammers demand fees for training programs tied to fake jobs.
  3. Document Scams: Job seekers are asked to pay for verifying their educational certificates.
Learn more about how to stay safe from these Scams

How to Stay Safe from Scams

  1. Verify the Source: Always double-check the credentials of the caller, email sender, or website.
  2. Avoid Upfront Payments: Never pay money upfront for rewards, jobs, or loans.
  3. Report Scams: Use India's National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (cybercrime.gov.in) to report incidents.
  4. Check Official Registrations: Use trusted sources like the RBI website or SEBI to verify financial institutions and investments.
  5. Educate Yourself: Stay informed about new scam tactics and share information with friends and family.