India Cybercrime Helpline: 1930  |  cybercrime.gov.in
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Scam Awareness Center

Understand the scam. Recognise the warning signs.

Cyber scams may arrive through phone calls, emails, social media, websites, advertisements or even AI-generated voices and videos. Learning how these scams work can help you recognise them before you become a victim.

🚨 Remember

A scam can look convincing. The safest habit is to stop, think and independently verify before sharing information or sending money.

Find a Scam Type

What type of scam are you looking for?

Select a category to explore different types of cyber scams.

Scam Categories

Common scams you should know.

Scam techniques continue to evolve, but many attacks still rely on deception, urgency and impersonation.

Financial Scam

💳 Banking & Payment Scams

Criminals may pretend to be banks, payment services or financial organisations to steal money or sensitive information.

Common Examples

  • Fake bank calls.
  • Fake KYC update messages.
  • QR code scams.
  • Fake payment links.
  • Requests to transfer money to a "safe account".

Warning Signs

  • Urgent requests for money.
  • Requests for OTPs or PINs.
  • Unknown payment links.
Phishing

🎣 Phishing Scams

Phishing attempts try to trick people into revealing passwords, financial details or other sensitive information.

Common Examples

  • Fake bank emails.
  • Fake delivery messages.
  • Fake account verification pages.
  • Fake password reset messages.

Warning Signs

  • Suspicious sender addresses.
  • Urgent language.
  • Unexpected links.
Impersonation

👤 Impersonation Scams

Criminals may pretend to be a bank, police officer, government official, technical support representative or someone you personally know.

Common Examples

  • Fake police calls.
  • Fake government officials.
  • Fake technical support.
  • Family emergency scams.

Warning Signs

  • Fear and intimidation.
  • Requests for secrecy.
  • Unexpected requests for money.
Social Media

📱 Social Media Scams

Social media platforms are often used to spread fake accounts, investment scams, giveaways and impersonation attempts.

Common Examples

  • Fake giveaways.
  • Fake investment opportunities.
  • Impersonation accounts.
  • Romance scams.

Warning Signs

  • Newly created accounts.
  • Guaranteed profits.
  • Requests to move conversations elsewhere.
Employment Scam

💼 Fake Job & Internship Scams

Criminals may advertise fake jobs or internships to collect personal information or convince applicants to send money.

Common Examples

  • Fake recruitment messages.
  • Jobs requiring upfront payment.
  • Fake interview links.
  • Requests for unnecessary documents.

Warning Signs

  • Payment required before employment.
  • Unrealistic salary promises.
  • Unverified company information.
AI-Powered Scam

🤖 AI & Deepfake Scams

Artificial intelligence can be misused to create convincing voices, images, videos and messages for impersonation and fraud.

Common Examples

  • AI voice cloning.
  • Deepfake videos.
  • AI-generated phishing messages.
  • AI impersonation of family members.

Warning Signs

  • Unexpected emergency requests.
  • Requests for secrecy.
  • Pressure to act immediately.
Understanding the Attack

Most scams follow a similar pattern.

  1. 1. Contact

    The scammer contacts you through a call, message, email, advertisement or social media platform.

  2. 2. Build Trust

    They may pretend to be a trusted organisation or person.

  3. 3. Create Pressure

    Fear, urgency, excitement or secrecy may be used to influence your decision.

  4. 4. Request Action

    You may be asked to click a link, share information, install an app or send money.

  5. 5. Exploit

    Once the victim takes the requested action, the scammer may gain access to money, accounts or information.

Universal Warning Signs

These red flags appear in many scams.

⚠️ Urgency

"Act now" and "Don't wait" are often used to prevent careful thinking.

😨 Fear

Threats about police cases, account closures or emergencies may be used to create panic.

🤫 Secrecy

Scammers may ask victims not to discuss the situation with family or friends.

🎁 Too Good to Be True

Guaranteed profits, prizes and unrealistic rewards should always be questioned.

🔐 Sensitive Information

Requests for passwords, OTPs, PINs or recovery codes should be treated carefully.

🔗 Unexpected Links

Avoid clicking unexpected links without checking where they lead.

🚨 Think You Have Encountered a Scam?

Do not panic. Stop interacting with the scammer, avoid sending additional money or information and take action as quickly as possible.

What Should I Do? →