Know the scam before it reaches you
Plain-language guides to the scams going around India right now, written for you, your kids and your parents.
Got a strange message? Check it here.
Paste an SMS or WhatsApp message. We'll point out the tricks scammers use.
Cyber fraud in India is huge. So is fighting back.
Figures till 30 June 2026. Source: Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), Ministry of Home Affairs, via Press Information Bureau. TipOffly is not affiliated with I4C.
"Digital arrest": the fake-police video call
A caller says your parcel had drugs, puts a "CBI officer" on video and says you're under arrest until you pay. No Indian police force arrests anyone over a video call.
- Hang up. Real officers don't ask for money on a call.
- Don't share your screen or install any app they suggest.
- Call 1930 if you've already paid.
Guides for everyone at home
Guide5 signs a UPI request is a trap
If you're asked for your PIN, you're paying, not receiving.
For parentsYour child's first phone: a setup checklist
Ten minutes of setup that saves months of worry.
For eldersKeeping parents safe from fake KYC calls
What to tell them, in their words.
GuideLost your phone? Do this first.
The first 15 minutes, step by step, including CEIR blocking.
Scam alertLoan apps that blackmail with your photos
How to check a lender on RBI's list before you install.
For parentsStrangers in game chats
The "free skins" trick and how to talk to your child about it.
Act fast. The first hour matters.
Money sent to a scammer can sometimes be frozen if you report it quickly.
Call 1930
National cybercrime helpline, for money lost to fraud.
1930Report the number
Report fraud calls or block a stolen phone on Sanchar Saathi.
sancharsaathi.gov.inNew scams, every Friday
A short WhatsApp message with the week's new scams. No spam, stop any time.
Photo credits
- Concerned Phone Call (Unsplash).jpg by Ehimetalor Unuabona becomeincognito, CC0
- Man with smartphone and laptop (Unsplash).jpg by Alejandro Escamilla alejandroescamilla, CC0
- Child Playing With Smartphone - Kolkata 2019-06-01 1457.JPG by Biswarup Ganguly, CC BY-SA 4.0
- On the phone (Unsplash).jpg by Søren Astrup Jørgensen sorenastrup664, CC0
- Smartphone with navigation map app.jpg by Santeri Viinamäki, CC BY-SA 4.0
- One Rupee Indian coins.JPG by Reserve Bank of India / Kshitij Gupta, CC BY-SA 3.0
- Child uses smartphone to play games at home closeup.jpg by Shixart1985, CC BY 2.0
Photos from Wikimedia Commons, used under the licences shown. Cropped for layout.