India fraud statistics, the scams to watch for, and simple rules to share with your family — especially elderly parents.
Every figure below is from India's own cybercrime agencies.
Understanding how each one works is your best defence.
A caller claims to be from the CBI, ED or police and says your Aadhaar or bank account is tied to a crime. They keep you on a video call so you can't consult family, and demand money to "settle." No agency in India conducts arrests over video calls or takes payment to drop a case. Cases jumped from about 40,000 in 2022 to over 1.2 lakh in 2024.
A message warns your bank KYC is incomplete and your account will be frozen within 24 hours, with a fake link or number. Real banks send KYC notices through their official app or registered post — never an unsolicited SMS link.
A "refund" or "prize" arrives as a UPI collect request. Approving it sends your money out — it never brings money in. Approving a collect request always means you are paying.
WhatsApp or Telegram groups show fake "profits" to lure deposits. When you try to withdraw, you're asked for "tax" or "fees" and the money vanishes. Legitimate platforms are SEBI-regulated — not run through chat groups.
AI can copy a relative's voice from seconds of audio. You get a panicked call from "your child" needing money urgently. Always call back on the known number before sending anything.
Print this and put it on your parents' fridge.
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Guidance only · Not legal advice · help@cyberoak.in