Learning centre

Short guides linked to full scam pages with videos and checklists.

Got a suspicious call, message, or link? Do this immediately

These steps apply to almost every fraud in India — UPI scams, fake bank calls, job offers, investment tips, courier fraud, and government impersonation. Follow them before you share anything or pay anyone.

Stop — do not engage further

  • Hang up the call immediately — do not stay on the line out of politeness or fear.
  • Do not reply to the SMS, WhatsApp, Telegram, or email — even to say “wrong number”.
  • Do not click any link, QR code, or attachment they sent.
  • Do not call back numbers they give you — use only official numbers from your bank card or website.
  • If they claim urgency (“account blocked in 2 hours”), treat that as a scam signal and pause.
  • Tell the caller you will verify independently and end the conversation.

Never share or allow

  • Never share OTP, PIN, CVV, ATM PIN, or net-banking password — not even with “bank staff” or “police”.
  • Never approve a UPI collect request or enter UPI PIN to “receive” a refund — receiving money never needs your PIN.
  • Never install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport, or unknown APK files they ask you to download.
  • Never enable screen sharing or “remote help” on your phone or laptop for an unknown caller.
  • Never send photos of Aadhaar, PAN, passport, or bank statements to an unsolicited contact.
  • Never transfer money for “verification”, “processing fee”, “customs charge”, or “KYC update”.
  • Never share your SIM or swap SIM at a shop because someone on the phone told you to.

Block, delete, and disconnect

  • Block the phone number on your dialer and on WhatsApp.
  • Leave and report suspicious WhatsApp / Telegram groups.
  • Delete any app or APK you installed because they asked — uninstall fully, not just remove icon.
  • Mark the email as spam/phishing and delete it after saving evidence.
  • Turn off “Unknown caller” callbacks and do not add them to contacts.
  • If you joined a video call with them, leave immediately and close the app.

Save evidence before you delete anything

  • Screenshot the full chat, including phone number, profile name, and date/time.
  • Save SMS with sender ID and message text.
  • If safe and legal in your state, record a short clip of a repeat call for reporting.
  • Note the exact time, amount (if any), UPI ID, and transaction reference number.
  • Save emails with headers visible; forward a copy to yourself before deleting.
  • Photograph QR codes or payment pages they sent — do not scan them.
  • Write down what they claimed (bank name, department, officer name) while memory is fresh.

Verify independently — never through them

  • Call your bank using the toll-free number printed on your debit/credit card or passbook.
  • Visit your bank branch in person if large money or KYC is mentioned.
  • Open your bank or UPI app manually — never via their link — and check for alerts.
  • Search the organisation name on its official .gov.in or .co.in website, not Google ads.
  • Ask a trusted family member or friend before sending money or sharing OTP.
  • Use our message checker if you are unsure about a text or WhatsApp forward.

Protect your accounts and devices

  • Change net-banking and UPI PINs from a device you trust — not one they had you install software on.
  • Enable transaction limits and alerts in your bank app and UPI app (Paytm, PhonePe, GPay, etc.).
  • If you shared OTP or logged in on a suspicious link, call the bank fraud hotline to block cards/UPI.
  • Run a malware scan if you installed an unknown app; consider factory reset if remote access was granted.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication where available; use biometrics for UPI where supported.
  • Check your bank SMS history for unknown debits in the last 48 hours.

Report and warn others

  • Call 1930 (National Cyber Crime Helpline) if money was lost or you shared OTP/PIN.
  • File a report at cybercrime.gov.in — keep the acknowledgement number.
  • Inform your bank’s fraud desk and request account/card/UPI freeze if needed.
  • Warn family members — scammers often target the same household next.
  • Report the number to your telecom provider’s spam reporting channel (1909 for SMS spam).
  • Share a warning in your local community so others do not fall for the same script.

When in doubt, pause — no genuine bank or government office punishes you for hanging up and verifying. Lost money? Call 1930