Research & Opinion
10 Common Scams to Watch Out For – Stay Alert, Stay Safe
Scammers are constantly devising new tricks to deceive people and steal their money or personal information. From fake calls and online fraud to misleading promises and threats, these scams can target anyone, anywhere. Being aware of these common scams is the first step to protecting yourself and staying safe. Here are 10 common scams you should watch out for and avoid falling victim to them.
1. TRAI Phone Scam
- Scammers call victims claiming their mobile service will be suspended due to illegal activity or KYC non-compliance.
- They pose as officials and demand personal details or money to “resolve” the issue.
2. Parcel Stuck at Customs
- Fraudsters claim a parcel addressed to the victim is stuck at customs for illegal goods.
- They threaten legal consequences and demand a fine to “release” the parcel.
- Victims, fearing trouble, transfer money.
3. Digital Arrest
- Scammers impersonate police officers and claim the victim is involved in a fake crime.
- They threaten digital arrests or online interrogation.
- Under pressure, victims are coerced into paying money to “avoid charges.”
ALSO READ : Call for Papers on AI/ML in Predictive Policing and Digital Forensics for FutureCrime Summit 2025
4. Family Member Arrested
- Fraudsters contact victims claiming a relative has been arrested.
- They demand urgent payment for bail or legal fees.
- Victims, panicked, transfer money without verifying the claim.
5. Get Rich Quick Trading
- Scammers post social media ads promising high returns on stock investments.
- Victims are asked to invest small amounts, but later are manipulated into sending more money for “greater profits.”
- Scammers vanish after collecting funds.
6. Easy Tasks/Online Jobs for Big Rewards
- Fraudsters offer fake online jobs requiring minimal effort with large payouts.
- Victims are asked to pay an investment fee or security deposit upfront.
- After receiving the money, the scammers disappear.
7. Lottery in Your Name
- Victims receive SMS or emails claiming they’ve won a lottery.
- Fraudsters ask for bank details or a processing fee to release the prize.
- This leads to money loss or data theft.
8. Mistaken Money Transfer
- Scammers call claiming they mistakenly transferred money to the victim’s account.
- They request a refund before victims verify their accounts.
- Victims transfer money only to realize the claim was fake.
9. KYC Expired
- Fraudsters send fake calls or links claiming the victim’s KYC is expired.
- Victims are asked to verify or update their details via fraudulent links.
- Scammers steal personal data or access bank accounts.
10. Generous Tax Refund
- Scammers pose as tax officials, promising a large tax refund.
- Victims are asked to share their bank details for processing.
- The fraudsters use this information to siphon money from their accounts.
FCRF urges vigilance against these scams. Educate your loved ones to stay safe!
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