As the new year begins, India is witnessing a steady rise in cyber-fraud incidents.
In case after case, the pattern appears familiar: a phone call, a few instructions — and within minutes, money disappears from bank accounts.
This is not only a story about technology.
It is equally a story about trust, anxiety, and the decisions people make when placed under pressure.
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A Simple Pattern, With Deep Consequences
Most frauds begin with a script that sounds official — and increasingly routine.
The caller introduces himself as a representative from a bank, courier company, police department, or government agency. Then comes the message:
- a suspicious transaction alert
- a request to “verify” identity
- a warning that a SIM or bank account will be blocked
- or an offer of refunds, rewards, or cashback
The voice is calm, the language formal — and the conversation gradually shifts toward quick, high-stakes decisions.
The Information Already Exists
Victims are often surprised to discover how much the caller already knows — names, phone numbers, and sometimes even partial banking details.
This information can come from multiple sources:
- dubious apps and suspicious websites
- past data breaches
- leaked call-center lists
- online surveys and sign-ups
Once enough data is gathered, the call becomes less about persuasion — and more about confirmation. Trust forms almost naturally.
When Control Quietly Shifts
The next phase is usually predictable.
Victims are asked to:
- “download a support app”
- “turn on screen-sharing”
- or “open a secure link”
Everything appears legitimate.
But at that moment, control begins to shift — away from the user, toward the fraudster.
Soon after, transactions begin through UPI, net-banking, or cards — and in some cases, loans are issued in the victim’s name.
Why Educated People Still Get Trapped
According to the Future Crime Research Foundation (FCRF), many victims are:
- well-educated
- digitally active
- familiar with banking rules
The reason, experts say, is not purely technical — it is psychological.
Former IPS officer and renowned cyber-crime expert Prof. Triveni Singh notes:
“Fraudsters trigger fear, trust, and urgency — all at once.
In that moment, people willingly break their own safety rules.”
Behind these operations lie complex networks involving:
- VPNs
- fake SIM cards
- and layered financial accounts
— structures that make investigation slow and challenging.
Loss That Extends Beyond Money
For many victims, the impact does not end with financial loss.
Shame, guilt, and distrust prevent some from filing complaints — and the emotional fallout can linger long after the transactions are reversed or written off.
Rules That Rarely Change
Cyber experts continue to emphasize one point clearly:
- Banks, police, CBI, courts —
do not ask for OTPs, PINs, passwords, or screen-sharing.
If anyone does, the safest response is to question — and disconnect.
The Basics of Staying Safe
- Stay calm and hang up on suspicious calls
- Open links or install apps only from trusted, verified sources
- Never share OTPs, UPI PINs, or passwords
- Use only official websites for customer-care numbers
- Treat threats, offers, and urgency as red-flag signals
- Report fraud immediately: 1930 or cybercrime.gov.in
Digital life brings convenience — but trust, now more than ever, requires deliberate caution.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
