Be Scam Smart: Watch Out for These 10 Commons Scams

1. TRAI Phone Scam: Scammers claim to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), stating your mobile number is linked to illegal activities and services will be suspended.

How to spot the scam? TRAI doesn't suspend services; telecom companies do.

Tip to stay safe: Disconnect and report the number.

2. Parcel Stuck at Customs: The most effective way to combat them is to spot and avoid these scams. Scammers claim a parcel with contraband has been intercepted and demand payment.

How to spot the scam? It would be an unexpected call or message.

Tip to stay safe: Immediately Disconnect and report the number.

3. Digital Arrest: Scammers posing as fake police officers threatening for digital arrest or online interrogation.

How to spot the scam? Digital arrests do not exist under Indian law, and Police don't conduct digital arrests or online interrogations.

Tip to stay safe: Report the suspicious call in 1930.

4. Family Member Arrested: Scammers claim a relative will be arrested and demand payment.

How to spot the scam? It would be an unexpected call or message.

Tips to stay safe: Don’t panic. Report the suspicious call and number. Verify with family members before acting.

5. Get Rich Quick Trading: Social media ads & banners promising high returns on stock investments.

How to spot the scam? High-return schemes are likely scams.

Tips to stay safe: Don't click on suspicious links. Verify information before acting. Be cautious of high-return schemes.

6. Earn Big Rewards for Easy Tasks: Scammers offer high sums for simple tasks such as liking social posts and videos, filling out survey forms, or writing reviews, then asking for investment.

How to spot the scam? Easy money schemes are scams and seem too legitimate to be true.

Tip to stay safe: Be cautious of high-return schemes and check reviews / online articles.

7. Credit Card Issued in Your Name: Scammers pose as fake executives and confirm large transactions on bogus credit cards.

How to spot the scam? A sense of urgency and panic is created to pressure people into making hasty decisions.

Tips to stay safe: Verify information before acting. Don’t panic and confirm transactions with your bank.

8. Accidental Money Transfer: Scammers claim accidental transactions into your accounts and ask for refunds.

How to spot the scam? It would be an unexpected call or message and not from the bank with no actual money transferred.

Tip to stay safe: Verify transactions with your bank

9. KYC Expired: Scammers ask for KYC updates via links.

How to spot the scam? Banks always require in-person KYC updates.

Tips to stay safe: Always update KYC in person at a bank branch. Don't click on any suspicious links.

10. Generous Tax Refund: Scammers pose as tax officials and ask for bank details to transfer tax refunds.

How to spot the scam? Tax departments already have bank details and communicate directly.

Tip to stay safe: Don't share any personal or bank details.

To report any such incident, contact the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal at cybercrime.gov.in or your Local Police Station.

Stay informed, stay vigilant!