The 120 most common scams in India

From students to grandparents: how each scam works, what it looks like and what to do. The guide grows from what people report in the community.

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1. #26

   Courier parcel "seized with drugs" call

   A courier "executive" says a parcel in your name was seized with drugs and connects you to fake police.

   Working adultsPhone callFull guideFake police and officials
2. #27

   Digital arrest by fake police, CBI, ED or customs officers

   Fake officers keep you on a video call for hours, claim you are under "digital arrest", and make you transfer savings for "verification".

   Working adultsPhone callWhatsAppFull guideFake police and officials
3. #28

   Fake telecom regulator call: "your number will be disconnected"

   A recorded call says your mobile number will be cut in two hours for illegal use, and routes you to fake officers.

   Working adultsPhone callFull guideFake police and officials
4. #67

   "Your Aadhaar was used in money laundering" call

   A caller says your Aadhaar was used in a crime, connects you to fake officers, and pushes you into a digital arrest.

   Senior citizensPhone callFull guideFake police and officials
5. #68

   Transfer savings to an "RBI verification account"

   Fake officers tell you to move your savings or fixed deposits to an "RBI account" for checking, promising to return them.

   Senior citizensPhone callWhatsAppFull guideFake police and officials
6. #95

   Fake inspector or municipal fine on the shop

   Someone posing as a food, weights or municipal inspector threatens to seal the shop unless a fine is paid on the spot.

   Shops and small businessesIn personPhone callFull guideFake police and officials