In 2025, scammers stole $442 billion globally, and 57 percent of adults faced fraud attempts. From fake police calls to AI-powered deepfakes, awareness is now the strongest defense for your money, data, and peace of mind.
This guide covers the most critical scams targeting Indians and global threats, with clear steps to protect yourself.
Major Frauds Targeting Indians
1. Digital Arrest Scam
Fraudsters impersonate police or CBI officials, claiming illegal activity and demanding immediate payment.
Truth: There is no such thing as a digital arrest under Indian law.
Protection: Hang up, contact local police directly, and never transfer money to unknown accounts.
2. Fake App / APK Scam
Malicious apps sent via messages steal OTPs and account credentials.
Protection: Download apps only from official Play Store or App Store. Avoid installing APK files from messages or emails.
3. UPI Fraud
Fake collect requests and refund scams are common in India, with over 95,000 reported cases.
Protection: Never share UPI PINs or OTPs. Receiving money does not require a PIN. Report fraud to 1930 within three days.
4. QR Code Scam
Tampered QR codes can redirect payments or install malware.
Protection: Verify merchant details before confirming payment. Avoid scanning unknown QR codes and never enter PINs to receive money.
5. SIM Swap
Fraudsters clone your mobile number to intercept OTPs and two-factor authentication codes.
Protection: Contact your telecom provider immediately if signal is lost. Set SIM PINs and enable transaction alerts.
6. Fake Customer Care
Fraudulent customer support numbers often appear at the top of online searches.
Protection: Use only official apps or websites for support. Do not install remote access software during calls.
7. Job and Work-from-Home Fraud
Fraudulent job postings promise high salaries in exchange for registration or training fees.
Protection: Never pay fees to get a job. Verify the company through official websites or LinkedIn.
8. Parcel and Courier Fraud
Fraudsters claim that a parcel contains illegal items and threaten arrest unless payment is made.
Protection: Contact the courier company directly using official numbers and do not make immediate payments.
Global Fraud Threats
9. Pig Butchering / Crypto Romance Scam
Fraudsters create online relationships and persuade victims to invest in fake cryptocurrencies.
Protection: Avoid sending money to online-only contacts and verify any investment platform independently.
10. Business Email Compromise
Fraudsters impersonate CEOs or vendors to request urgent wire transfers.
Protection: Verify all requests via secondary channels and enable multi-factor authentication for emails.
11. Deepfake and AI Voice Fraud
AI-generated voices or videos mimic real people to extract funds.
Protection: Establish family code words and verify unexpected calls before acting.
12. Tech Support and Remote Access Scams
Fraudsters pose as Microsoft or bank support and request remote access to computers.
Protection: Hang up and contact official support channels directly.
13. CEO / Whaling Fraud
Highly targeted attacks on executives to authorize large transactions.
Protection: Verify high-value requests through secondary channels and restrict public access to schedules.
14. Grandparent and Emergency Scams
Scammers impersonate distressed family members to request money.
Protection: Use code words, contact the family member directly, and avoid keeping requests secret.
15. Lottery and Prize Scams
Fraudsters claim winnings that require upfront payment of processing fees.
Protection: Never pay to claim prizes and ignore suspicious emails.
16. ATM Skimming and Card Cloning
Devices copy card information, while hidden cameras record PINs.
Protection: Inspect ATMs before use, cover the keypad, use chip-enabled cards, and monitor bank statements regularly.
17. Synthetic Identity Fraud
Criminals create fake identities to open fraudulent accounts.
Protection for Institutions: Use biometric verification, AI monitoring, and velocity checks on transactions.
18. Investment Fraud
Fake trading platforms promise guaranteed high returns.
Protection: Invest only through verified or SEBI-registered platforms and research independently.
19. Phishing and Vishing
Fraudulent messages or calls impersonate banks or agencies to steal credentials.
Protection: Avoid clicking on suspicious links, verify sender information, and never share OTPs or passwords.
20. Romance and Crypto Romance Scams
Online relationships lead to financial manipulation.
Protection: Avoid sending money to online-only contacts and verify identities independently.
Ten Golden Rules for Digital Safety
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Never share OTPs, PINs, passwords, or Aadhaar details.
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Enable two-factor authentication on all accounts.
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Use strong and unique passwords with 12–16 characters.
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Keep all devices and applications updated.
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Verify unexpected requests before taking action.
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Avoid using public Wi-Fi for financial transactions; use VPN if necessary.
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Stay calm—scammers exploit fear and urgency.
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Educate family members and colleagues about common scams.
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Monitor bank statements and account activity regularly.
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Report any suspected fraud immediately to authorities and banks.
Where to Report Fraud
India:
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Helpline: 1930
Global:
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FBI IC3 (ic3.gov)
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Local law enforcement and bank fraud departments
Key Fraud Statistics 2025
| Metric | Data |
|---|---|
| Global Scam Losses | $442 billion |
| Adults Targeted | 57 percent |
| UPI Fraud Cases in India | 95,000+ |
| Deepfake Fraud Growth | 900 percent |
| Victims Losing Money | 23 percent |
| Preventable Through Awareness | 70 percent |
Pause, Verify, Protect
Scammers exploit trust, fear, and greed. The most effective defense is to:
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Pause before reacting to unexpected requests.
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Verify through official channels using known contact details.
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Protect by reporting suspicious activity immediately.
Legitimate organizations never demand urgent payments, request secrecy, or ask for OTPs, PINs, or cryptocurrency transfers.
