Common Scams in India

I am listing common scams that I know. The purpose is to educate as many people as possible about these scams so that they don't fall into the traps set by scammers. This is not an exhaustive list of scams, so always stay vigilant and be aware of other potential scams.

Disclosure: This article is written using AI (ChatGPT) and all brands mentioned are for example only.

1. Marriage Scam

How It Works: Scammers create fake profiles on matrimonial websites, posing as prospective brides or grooms. They engage in conversations, build trust, and then fabricate a crisis requiring financial help. Victims are often emotionally manipulated into transferring money to these scammers.

Example Scenario: A scammer, posing as a successful professional, connects with a target on a matrimonial site. After several weeks of communication, the scammer mentions a family emergency or a business problem and requests a loan, promising to repay it after marriage. Once the money is transferred, the scammer disappears.

2. FedEx Courier Scam

How It Works: Fraudsters call or email individuals, pretending to be from FedEx or another courier company, claiming they have a package that needs to be delivered. They then ask for personal information or a fee for customs clearance.

Example Scenario: A person receives a call from someone claiming to be a FedEx representative. The caller states that a package containing valuable items has arrived, but customs fees need to be paid before delivery. The victim is asked to provide personal information and transfer money to cover the fees. Once the payment is made, the scammer is no longer reachable.

3. Telecom Phone Blocking Scam

How It Works: Scammers call and pretend to be from a telecom company, informing the victim that their phone services will be blocked unless they verify their identity. They ask for personal details or OTPs, which they use to access the victim's accounts.

Example Scenario: An individual receives a call from someone claiming to be a telecom service provider representative. The caller warns that the phone services will be suspended due to identity verification issues and requests the victim's Aadhaar number, OTP, or other sensitive information. Once the details are provided, the scammer gains access to the victim's accounts.

4. Scam on marketplaces and Similar Websites

How It Works: Scammers pose as buyers or sellers on online marketplaces like OLX/Quickr. They lure victims with attractive deals, often using fake payment confirmations or requesting advance payments for goods that are never delivered.

Example Scenario: A seller lists a high-demand product at an attractive price on OLX/Quickr. A buyer shows interest and asks for an advance payment or a deposit to hold the item. The buyer might even send a fake payment confirmation to gain the seller's trust. Once the payment is made, the buyer disappears without delivering the product.

5. Son/Daughter in Trouble Scam

How It Works: Scammers contact parents or relatives, posing as their child or someone calling on behalf of their child. They claim the child is in trouble and needs money urgently for bail, medical bills, or another emergency.

Example Scenario: A parent receives a call from someone pretending to be a police officer or a lawyer, stating that their son or daughter has been arrested or injured. The caller requests immediate payment for bail or medical expenses, often asking for the money to be sent via wire transfer or gift cards.

6. Tech Support Scam

How It Works: Scammers call or send pop-up messages, pretending to be from a reputable tech company (like Microsoft). They claim that the victim's computer is infected with a virus and offer to fix it for a fee. They may also ask for remote access to the victim's computer.

Example Scenario: An individual receives a call from someone claiming to be from Microsoft tech support. The caller says that the victim's computer has a serious virus and offers to remove it for a fee. The victim is asked to provide remote access to their computer and payment details. Once access is granted, the scammer can steal personal information and money.

7. Lottery or Prize Scam

How It Works: Victims receive messages stating they have won a lottery or prize, but they must pay taxes or fees upfront to claim it. Often, the prize doesn't exist.

Example Scenario: A person receives an email or letter claiming they have won a large sum of money in a foreign lottery. The message instructs the victim to send a payment to cover taxes or processing fees. After the payment is made, the victim never receives the supposed prize.

8. Rental Scams

How It Works: Scammers post fake rental listings online to lure victims into paying deposits or rent for properties that don’t exist or are not available for rent.

Example Scenario: A prospective renter finds an attractive rental listing online and contacts the "landlord." The scammer asks for a deposit to secure the rental. After the money is transferred, the scammer disappears, and the renter discovers the property was never available.

9. Fake Job Offers

How It Works: Scammers post fake job listings and conduct fake interviews to steal personal information or request upfront payments for training materials or background checks.

Example Scenario: An individual applies for a job they found online. After a brief interview, they are offered the position but are asked to pay for a background check or training materials. Once the payment is made, the "employer" vanishes, and the job offer turns out to be fake.

10. Charity Scams

How It Works: Scammers pose as representatives of charities, especially after natural disasters or during the holiday season, to solicit donations.

Example Scenario: An individual receives a phone call or email from someone claiming to represent a charity. The scammer provides a compelling story about needing funds for disaster relief or helping the underprivileged and requests a donation. The victim donates, only to find out later that the charity was fake.

11. Romance Scams

How It Works: Scammers create fake profiles on dating sites and social media to establish romantic relationships with victims. They then fabricate emergencies to solicit money from their targets.

Example Scenario: A person meets someone on a dating site who quickly professes love and a desire to meet in person. The scammer then claims to have an emergency, such as a sick relative or financial trouble, and asks the victim for money. After receiving the money, the scammer disappears.

Key Points to Remember:

• Always verify identities and details independently.
• Do not share personal information or make payments to unverified sources.
• Report suspicious activities to relevant authorities.

By staying vigilant and informed, individuals can protect themselves from falling victim to these common scams.