HomeGENERALAIThe Top 4 Scams in India: How to Prevent Being Scammed

The Top 4 Scams in India: How to Prevent Being Scammed

Despite its rich colors and traditions, India faces a growing problem: scams. With advancements in technology and AI, scammers are becoming increasingly sophisticated, making it easier to fall victim to their schemes. In today’s world, even your voice can be cloned and used to trick your loved ones. Hence, to help you stay safe, we’ve compiled a list of the top 4 scams in India and, more importantly, what to do if you find yourself targeted. Knowledge is power, therefore, understanding these scams is the first step in protecting yourself and your finances.

DON’T Ignore These 4 Scams Plaguing India in Disguise

Yesterday, I got a wild call from FedEx claiming someone used my name to send a suspicious package to Taiwan. They even said there was a police complaint against me! Crazy, right? But I’ve heard about these scams before, so I didn’t fall for it.

Sadly, not everyone knows about these tricks, and some people end up losing a lot of money. So, let’s talk about the most common scams out there and how you can avoid them. But first, let’s understand the top 4 scams in India-

  • How scammers target you by selling fake franchises
  • How AI Voice claiming is used to do huge scams
  • How people fraud you by imitating a customer care representative
  • How connecting to a WiFi network or giving your Hotspot can lead to drowning of all your money

SCAM 1- How May I Help You, Sir?

You: Sir, I had some refund issues; please resolve them.
Scammer (pretending to be a customer service rep): “Hi sir; I see there’s a problem with your refund. Let’s fix that.”
You: “Okay, thanks for looking into it.”
Scammer: “Hmm, my system can’t find the details. Can you open an app called AnyDesk so I can see your screen and help?”
You: “Sure, the code is 1234.”
Scammer: “Great! Now, to process the refund, I need your card number.”
You: “Okay, it’s XXX8 YYY8 ZZZ9 AAA1.”
Scammer: “Expiry date?”
You: “01/XX.”
Scammer: “And the CVV (the three numbers on the back)?”
You: “XYZ.”
Scammer: “Perfect! Did you use this card for the order?”
You: “Yes, please put the refund on that card.”
Scammer: “No problem. You should have gotten a text message with a code. It’s probably on your laptop screen now. Got it!”
You: “Hey! Why did money just leave my account? What did you do?!”
Scammer: Hangs up

What just happened?

This was one of the top 4 scams in India. By getting you to open AnyDesk, the scammer could see everything on your screen, including your card details and the OTP (one-time password) from your bank. They tricked you into giving them all the information they needed to steal your money.

The Fake Account Used By Scammers

You might be wondering how the person got your phone number, right? Here’s how it happened. They ordered five items from Flipkart, but two of them never arrived. So, they complained on Twitter, mentioning Flipkart’s main account. A fake Flipkart help desk (not the real one!) replied within a day.

Now, many people avoid going to court because it takes a long time. So, they turn to Twitter to get things sorted out quickly. Companies often try to resolve these complaints quickly, not just to make customers happy but also because they don't want bad publicity on social media.

But this whole situation opens the door to even more scams. For example, you might be looking for term insurance, but they’ll try to sell you something completely different. Or, to make more money from commissions, they might offer you plans from insurance companies with a really bad track record of paying out claims. So, be extra careful! However, in case you have fallen prey to this scam, then here is how to prevent being scammed!

Are you being scammed emotionally? Let’s find out!

How to Prevent Being Scammed

To protect yourself from the top 4 scams in India, like the Flipkart example, follow these tips:

  1. Verify Official Channels: Always double-check that you’re interacting with the company’s real customer service. Furthermore, look for verified badges on social media profiles and use official websites or phone numbers listed on those platforms.
  2. Don’t Click on Suspicious Links: Be cautious about clicking on links in replies to your tweets or posts. Scammers often send fake links that lead to phishing websites designed to steal your information.
  3. Never Share Sensitive Information: Legitimate customer service representatives will never ask for password, PIN, or other sensitive financial information on social media.
  4. Trust Your Gut: If a response seems too good to be true or feels off, trust your instincts. If you’re unsure, then reach out to the company directly through their official channels to confirm the authenticity of the interaction.
  5. Report Suspicious Activity: If you encounter a scam, then report it to the company and the social media platform. This not only helps them to take action against the scammers, but also to protect other users.
  6. Consider Alternative Complaint Channels: Instead of relying solely on social media, explore other options for resolving your complaint, such as contacting the company directly through their website, email, or phone.
  7. Be Careful What You Share Online: Avoid publicly sharing too many details about your purchases or complaints. Scammers can use this information to target you with personalized scams.
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SCAM 2- Single Investment and Lifetime Earnings

Caller: I got an email that my franchise has been approved. Can you tell me the details of the next procedures?
Customer Care Representative: In the same email, you will find the details. Please pay the processing fee, and please pay it before 24 hours. Otherwise, your franchise might get canceled. 

After some time…

The payment has been received (the scam is over)

“Many big food companies and brands don’t just give away their franchises. Rather, they monitor a lot of things before allotting a franchise, including-

  1. The location
  2. The size of the store
  3. Creative capabilities
  4. Digital marketing prowess
  5. Partnership management
  6. Review Analysis

Therefore, if someone tries to sell you franchises without any information, then understand that you are being a prey to the top 4 scams in India in 2024. 

How to Prevent Being Scammed

Top 4 Scams in India
Stealing the Money Digitally

In order to protect yourself from fake franchise scams where someone calls claiming your franchise has been approved, follow these tips:

  1. Verify Communication: Legitimate franchises rarely communicate approvals through unsolicited phone calls. Therefore, verify any such calls by contacting the company directly through their official channels (website, official phone number).
  2. Check Your Email: If the caller mentions an email, then carefully review it for authenticity. Look for signs of phishing like misspellings, unusual email addresses, or urgent demands.
  3. Never Pay Under Pressure: Legitimate franchises have structured payment processes and won’t demand immediate payment with threats of cancellation.
  4. Research the Franchise: Before even considering any franchise opportunity, thoroughly research the company, their franchise program, and their reputation. Moreover, look for reviews and testimonials from current franchisees.
  5. Beware of Unsolicited Offers: Be highly suspicious of any franchise opportunity that comes to you unsolicited, especially if it promises quick and easy profits.
  6. Consult Legal Counsel: If you’re serious about investing in a franchise, consult a lawyer who specializes in franchise law. They can help you review agreements and protect your interests.

SCAM 3- WiFi Sharing Scam

The next scam of the top 4 scams in India is the WiFi and Hotspot scam. Sharing your phone’s Hotspot or connecting to public WiFi is risky. It’s like opening a door for scammers to peek at your personal information. When you use public WiFi, whether at a coffee shop, airport, or train station, you’re essentially broadcasting your online activity to anyone who might be watching. Every website you visit, every message you send, and even your passwords could be recorded by the person who owns the WiFi network.

Top 4 Scams in India
Sharing of Wifi and Hotspot

This means that someone could potentially steal your data, including credit card numbers, login credentials, or even personal photos. They could also use your information to impersonate you online, leading to even more problems.

The same risks apply when you share your phone’s Hotspot. Not only does it expose your data, but it also reveals your IP address. Think of your IP address as your online home address. While it’s not easy to break into your phone through a hotspot, a scammer could use your IP address to do all sorts of harmful things. They could, for example, use your IP address to make prank calls or even send threats, making it seem like you were the one responsible.

Also read about how you can protect your digital identity in India.

How to Prevent Being Scammed

  • Be Careful When Charging Your Devices

To avoid scams, always charge your devices using your own charger and a reliable power source, like a wall outlet at home or a portable power bank that you trust.

  • Public WiFi Can Be Tricky

Public WiFi networks at coffee shops, railway stations or airports, might not be secure. Therefore, it’s best to use your mobile data whenever possible. Moreover, if you really need to use public WiFi, ask an official employee for the official network name and password. This way, you’re less likely to connect to a fake network set up by scammers.

  • Don’t Share Your Hotspot

Your personal Hotspot is like a private WiFi network for your devices. Never share it with strangers, even if they seem friendly or say it’s an emergency. Keep it password-protected with a strong password that’s hard to guess.

SCAM 4- Hello Papa, Save Me

top 4 scams in India
Voice Cloning

This is one of the most popular scams of the top 4 scams in India. In this scam, the caller will call with a cloned voice of your daughter or a close relative. The dubbed voice will claim that your loved ones are in a city or in a situation that requires you to transfer some amount of money to an unknown person’s number/UPI ID/Bank Account. 

Any person can nowadays dub your voice by using AI tools. It is super easy. They can take your voice sample from the internet and use it to dub your voice in real-time. Using this, they will call you, claiming they are the person (whose voice they have dubbed), and then they will ask you for money. This is how scammers manipulate you into believing that they are the real person. 

This is even shown in the Spiderman movie where they have used the effect of holographic projections. The characters are made to believe that whatever they see or hear or feel is the truth. And when Happy comes in front of Spiderman then Spiderman suspects him and asks- “Happy, is this you? If yes, then tell me something only you would know.”

How to Prevent Being Scammed

Voice cloning scams are a growing threat, but you can protect yourself by taking a few precautions:

  1. Be skeptical of unexpected calls or messages: If a loved one calls unexpectedly claiming to be in trouble and needing money, don’t panic. Take a moment to verify their identity before taking any action.
  2. Establish a code word: Create a secret code word or phrase with your close family and friends. After that, if someone calls you claiming to be a loved one, ask them for the code word. If they don’t know it, it’s likely a scam.
  3. Verify through other channels: Try to reach the person through other means, such as a different phone number, social media, or email, to confirm if they’re really in trouble.
  4. Never share personal information or financial details: Scammers and frausters may try to trick you into revealing sensitive information. therefore, don’t give out your bank account details, passwords, or other personal information over the phone.
  5. Report suspicious calls: If you receive any sort of suspicious call or message, then report it to the authorities immediately. This not only helps them track down the scammers, but also prevent others from falling victim.

In Conclusion of – Top 4 Scams in India

In conclusion, India, like any other country, faces its share of scams, with the top four being online shopping fraud, lottery scams, phishing attacks, and tech support scams. However, by staying informed, practicing caution, and employing the preventive measures outlined above, you can reduce your risk of falling victim to these top 4 scams in India. Lastly, remember, awareness is your first line of defense, and vigilance is key to safeguarding your hard-earned money and personal information.

FAQs: How to Prevent Being Scammed

Which state in India has the most scams?


There is no definitive data on which state has the most scams. However, reports suggest that states like West Bengal, Delhi, and Uttar Pradesh have a high concentration of fraudulent activities, particularly related to fake customer care numbers and SIM card rackets.

Is scamming a crime in India?


Yes, scamming is absolutely a crime in India. Depending on the nature of the scam, it falls under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Information Technology Act. Common charges include cheating, fraud, impersonation, and cybercrime.

Can I report a scammer in India?


Yes, you can report a scammer in India. Furthermore, you can file a complaint with your local police station or the cybercrime cell. Alternatively, you can use the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal to report cybercrimes online.

How much money is in scamming?


Scamming is a lucrative illegal activity worldwide, and India is no exception. The exact amount of money involved is difficult to estimate, but it’s undoubtedly substantial, with victims losing crores of rupees annually.

How do you fight a scammer?


Don’t engage with them: If you suspect a scam, do not respond to calls, messages, or emails.
Gather evidence: If possible, document the communication with the scammer, including phone numbers, email addresses, and any details of the scam.
Report the scam: As mentioned above, file a complaint with the appropriate authorities.
Spread awareness: Share your experience with others to help them from falling for similar scams.

Can a scammer hurt you?


While scammers primarily aim to steal money or information, they can also cause emotional distress and harm your reputation. Scams can sometimes lead to identity theft and other serious consequences.

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