• Pushes you to act in a hurry

  Real organizations give you time. Threats like 'your account will be closed in 30 minutes' are designed to panic you into mistakes.

• Asks for OTP, PIN, CVV, or password

  Banks, UPI apps, government offices, and police never ask for these. Anyone asking is trying to steal your money.

• Sends you a link or APK to install

  Tapping unknown links or installing unverified apps can give scammers full access to your phone and bank accounts.

• Comes from an unusual or unofficial number

  Check the sender ID carefully. Misspelled brand names, random 10-digit numbers, or international numbers are common scam signs.

• Asks for an advance, processing fee, or 'refund tax'

  Real refunds, prizes, jobs, or loans never require you to pay first. If you must pay to receive something, it is a scam.

• Asks you to install screen-sharing or remote-control apps

  Apps like AnyDesk or TeamViewer let scammers see your screen and operate your phone. Never install them on someone's request.

• Offer sounds too good to be true

  Huge cashback, guaranteed jobs, lottery wins, or sky-high returns are classic bait. If it feels unreal, it is.

• Tells you to keep it secret from family or bank

  Scammers isolate victims. Anyone telling you not to discuss the call or message with anyone else is hiding something.

1. 1

   Stop the call or chat right now

   Hang up, leave the chat, and do not click any more links. Every extra minute is more risk. Take a breath; you are not alone in this.

2. 2

   Block your card and freeze the account

   Call your bank's official helpline (printed on the back of your card or on the bank's website) and ask them to block the card and temporarily freeze online transactions. Do not call numbers a stranger gave you.

3. 3

   Change passwords and revoke device access

   Change passwords for net banking, UPI apps, and email. In your UPI app, remove any 'linked devices' you do not recognize. Turn on two-factor authentication where possible.

4. 4

   Report to the National Cyber Crime Helpline within 24 hours

   Call 1930 or file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Reporting within the first 24 hours gives the best chance of freezing the money before it moves.

   Open cybercrime.gov.in
5. 5

   Save evidence before it disappears

   Take screenshots of the messages, save call logs, note down the phone numbers, UPI IDs, and any URLs involved. Save SMS-based transaction alerts. You will need these for the complaint.

6. 6

   Tell a trusted person

   Scams thrive on shame and isolation. Telling a family member or friend helps you think clearly and avoid follow-up scams that target recent victims.

• National Cyber Crime Helpline

  Start here

  First call for any online financial fraud. Operators help you file a complaint and can request banks to freeze the recipient account.

  Call 1930Open website24x7

• cybercrime.gov.in

  Official portal of the Government of India to report cyber crime, including financial fraud, social media misuse, and crimes against women and children.

  Open websiteOnline, anytime

• Sanchar Saathi - Chakshu

  Report suspicious calls and SMS that look like fraud. Run by the Department of Telecommunications.

  Open websiteOnline, anytime

• RBI Sachet

  Report unauthorized digital transactions and complaints against unregistered lending or investment entities.

  Open websiteOnline, anytime

• National Consumer Helpline

  For grievances against e-commerce sellers, refunds, defective products, and unfair trade practices.

  Call 1915Open websiteMon–Sat, 8 AM – 8 PM

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