The scams landing in Indian inboxes right now
They change the story, but the tricks repeat. Pick one to see what to look for.
Sir I sent ₹5,000 to you by mistake. I have sent a request, please approve it and enter your UPI PIN to return. Very urgent please help 🙏
- You never need a PIN to receive moneyA PIN only ever sends money out of your account. A "collect request" is them asking you to pay.
- Check your bank app, not the messageIf money really arrived, your bank app will show it. Usually it hasn't.
- Decline the request. Block the number.
Your parcel is held at the warehouse due to incomplete address. Pay ₹25 redelivery fee within 12 hours or it will be returned: http://indiapost-track.top/pay
- A tiny fee is the baitThe ₹25 page collects your full card details and OTP.
- Look at the link, not the logoIndia Post uses indiapost.gov.in. ".top" sites are throwaway domains.
- Track parcels only on the courier's own app.
Dear consumer, your electricity will be disconnected tonight at 9:30 pm as last month bill was not updated. Call officer 98xxx 22741 immediately.
- Power boards don't text a personal mobile numberReal notices come with your consumer number and the board's official helpline.
- The "officer" will ask you to install an appThat app lets them see your screen and read your OTPs.
- Pay bills only from the board's site or your UPI app.
Hello! Earn ₹3,000–8,000 daily from home by liking YouTube videos. No experience needed. Pay ₹999 joining fee to start. Limited seats!
- Easy money is the hookThe first small payouts are real, to win trust before a bigger "task deposit".
- Real jobs don't charge you to joinAny fee to start working is a red flag on its own.
- Never pay to get a job.
This is CBI Mumbai. A parcel in your name contains drugs. You are under digital arrest. Do not disconnect or tell your family. Transfer funds for verification.
- "Digital arrest" doesn't exist in Indian lawPolice and CBI never arrest or question anyone over a video call.
- Isolation is the tacticBeing told not to hang up or tell anyone is the clearest sign of all.
- Hang up. Call 1930.