Scam texts in India: how to spot and report them
Most scams in India pretend to be your bank, the electricity board, a courier or the police. Here's what they look like and where to report them. If money has gone, call 1930 at once.
Common scams in India
- "Update your KYC or your account will be blocked"
An SMS or WhatsApp message with a link or number to "complete KYC" today.
The tell: Don't update KYC through a link in a message. Use your bank's own app, or visit your branch.
More about this scam - "Your electricity will be cut tonight"
"Your previous bill was not updated. Call this officer now", then they ask you to install an app or pay.
The tell: Check your bill on the electricity board's official website or app. Never install an app a caller asks for.
- "Digital arrest"
A video call from "police", "CBI" or "customs" about a parcel with drugs or a case in your name. You're told to stay on camera and pay to clear your name.
The tell: This is a scam that the Government of India warns about. Hang up and report it on 1930.
More about this scam - UPI request "to receive money"
Someone wants to send you money (a refund, a prize, an OLX buyer) and asks you to approve a request or enter your UPI PIN.
The tell: Your UPI PIN only approves money leaving your account, and no bank ever asks for it. A request for your PIN is a payment out: decline it.
- Part-time job: "like videos, earn daily"
Easy paid tasks on WhatsApp or Telegram. After small first payouts, you must "invest" to unlock more.
The tell: A job that asks you to pay in is a scam. Stop and report it.
More about this scam
Already clicked, paid or shared details?
If money has gone, call 1930 straight away. Reporting quickly gives the best chance of stopping the money. Then call your bank on the number on your card.
Where to report it in India
- Lost money to fraud (24/7, call at once): 1930, or report at cybercrime.gov.in
- Fraud calls, SMS or WhatsApp messages: report them on Chakshu at sancharsaathi.gov.in
- In danger now: call 112
Contacts checked on each organisation's own website, September 2026.
Warning signs, anywhere
- It's urgent: your account closes today, a parcel is returned tonight, the police are on their way.
- It has a link to pay a small fee, or to "confirm" your details.
- It asks for a PIN, password or one-time code. No real organisation needs these from you.
- A family member is texting from a new number and needs money now.
- It's too good to be true: a prize you didn't enter, a job with no interview, money that doubles.
- It wants payment in gift cards, crypto or a transfer to a "safe" account.
- It asks you to keep it secret, or not to tell your bank.
What to do with a message you're not sure about
- Don't click the link, reply, or call the number in the message.
- Check for yourself: open the company's own app, or type its website address yourself.
- If it claims to be family, call them on the number you already have.
- Report it (below), then delete it.
Help someone else avoid it
Scams work best on people who haven't seen them before. Share this guide with your family or group chat.
Not sure? Ask Alice
Paste the message into a chat and choose "Is this a scam?". Alice lists the warning signs she can see, gives a verdict, and tells you where to report it. Leave out your own account numbers — she never needs them.
General guidance, not legal or financial advice. If money has already gone, contact your bank first.