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India (IN)

India is the world's most populous nation and a fast-rising global power — a vibrant federal republic of extraordinary cultural, linguistic, and geographic diversity.

Capital: New Delhi
Region: Asia
Language: Hindi
Currency: INR (₹)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 24)
Emergency: 112
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Scam Warnings

Common scams targeting expats in India.

India's digital payment revolution and massive online connectivity have created both opportunity and significant fraud risk. The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) and RBI report explosive growth in digital fraud: UPI fraud jumped 85% in FY24 and maintained that trajectory through 2025. Two scams stand apart as critical national threats: the "digital arrest" scam — where callers impersonating CBI/ED/customs officials put victims under fake video "arrest" — and UPI/QR code fraud. Prime Minister Modi publicly warned the nation about digital arrest scams in his Mann Ki Baat radio address on 27 October 2024. Traditional tourist scams (gem fraud, fake guides) remain active in tourist cities alongside these digital threats.

"Digital Arrest" Scam — Fake CBI/ED/Customs Call

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The most rapidly growing high-loss scam in India. A caller impersonates CBI, Enforcement Directorate, customs, Narcotics Control Bureau, or TRAI officials and claims the victim is implicated in money laundering, drug trafficking, or SIM card fraud. The victim is placed under a fake "digital arrest" — compelled to remain on a video call for hours or days, not allowed to contact family or police. During this period, criminals extract large wire transfers as "bail" or "clearance payments." The Ministry of Home Affairs recorded losses of ₹1,087 crore in H1 FY25. Operations are primarily run from Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia. The Supreme Court of India directed a pan-India CBI-coordinated probe in late 2025.

How to spot it
  • - Caller claims to be from CBI, ED, customs, TRAI, or police regarding a package or account in your name
  • - You are told to remain on a video call and not contact family, friends, or your bank
  • - Demand for an urgent wire transfer as "bail," "clearance fee," or "frozen asset release"
  • - Fake courtroom or police station set displayed in the video background
  • - CBI, ED, police, and TRAI do NOT arrest or investigate via video calls — this is always a scam
What to do: Hang up immediately. Real government agencies do not conduct arrests or investigations by phone or video call. Call your family member and then dial 1930 (cybercrime helpline, 24/7). File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Report to local police station for an FIR. If money was transferred, call your bank immediately — reporting within 24 hours maximises the chance of freezing the fraudster's account.

UPI QR Code Fraud ("Scan to Receive" Reversal)

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I4C identifies QR code-based UPI fraud as one of the fastest-growing categories in 2025–2026, with cases spanning Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, and UP. Fraudsters send a QR code claiming the victim must "scan to receive" a refund, prize, payment, or KYC update. In UPI, scanning a QR code initiates a payment FROM the victim, not TO them. Fake QR stickers are also physically placed over legitimate payment codes at petrol pumps, parking meters, and small shops. UPI fraud totalled ₹1,087 crore in FY24 (6.32 lakh cases in H1 FY25 alone).

How to spot it
  • - Anyone asking you to "scan this QR code to receive money" — this is always fraud
  • - Refund or prize claim that requires scanning a QR code
  • - QR code sent via WhatsApp, SMS, or email claiming to send you money
  • - Request to enter your UPI PIN to "collect" a payment
  • - Physical QR code at a shop or parking meter that looks like a sticker placed over the original
What to do: You NEVER need to enter your UPI PIN to receive money. Entering your PIN only sends money. If asked to scan a QR to receive funds, refuse. Inspect physical QR codes for stickers placed over originals. If defrauded, call 1930 immediately and file at cybercrime.gov.in. Report to your bank within 24 hours.

KYC Update Fraud — SIM/Bank Blocking Threat

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A caller or SMS claims the victim's mobile SIM or bank account will be blocked within 24 hours unless a "KYC update" is completed immediately. The victim is directed to share OTPs, install a remote access app (AnyDesk, TeamViewer), or approve a UPI "collect request." Once access is granted, accounts are drained. This scam exploits genuine RBI and telecom KYC requirements that consumers are aware of.

How to spot it
  • - SMS or call saying your SIM or bank account will be blocked for KYC non-compliance
  • - Request to share an OTP or UPI PIN for "verification purposes"
  • - Instruction to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, or a "bank app" via a link
  • - Urgency framing: block will happen "in 2 hours" unless action taken
  • - Banks and telecoms never ask for OTPs or PINs to complete KYC — this is always fraud
What to do: Never share OTPs or PINs with anyone, regardless of who they claim to be. Go directly to your bank branch or telecom store for genuine KYC updates. Report to 1930 and cybercrime.gov.in.

Tech Support Scam

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India is both a major source and a primary target of tech support scams. Callers claim to be from Microsoft, Apple, Google, or your bank's fraud team, asserting that your device or account is "compromised." They request installation of remote access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer) to "repair" the issue. Once installed, they access banking apps, steal credentials, and drain accounts or demand gift card payments for fake "support."

How to spot it
  • - Unsolicited call claiming your device is infected or your account has suspicious activity
  • - Request to install remote desktop software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer) to allow "repair"
  • - Demand for gift card or cryptocurrency payment for technical support
  • - Caller ID spoofed to display Microsoft, Apple, or your bank's number
What to do: Hang up immediately. Microsoft, Apple, and your bank will NEVER call you unsolicited about device infections. Never install AnyDesk or TeamViewer at a caller's request. Report at cybercrime.gov.in or call 1930.

Investment and Telegram/WhatsApp Group Fraud

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Fake investment "advisory groups" on Telegram or WhatsApp claim to offer SEBI-registered tips, stock signals, or IPO allotment guarantees. Members are shown fabricated profit screenshots. After victims deposit funds on a recommended unregulated platform, withdrawals are blocked. SEBI issued multiple public warnings about this pattern throughout 2025.

How to spot it
  • - Telegram or WhatsApp group invitation offering guaranteed stock market returns
  • - Fabricated screenshots of other members' profits shared to build credibility
  • - Investment platform recommended is not on SEBI's registered broker list (sebi.gov.in)
  • - Withdrawal of "profits" requires payment of additional "taxes" or "fees"
  • - Group administrator urges quick action citing "limited slots"
What to do: Verify any investment platform at sebi.gov.in before depositing funds. Legitimate SEBI-registered brokers are listed in the public register. Report unregistered investment advisers to SEBI (sebi.gov.in/sebiweb/home/HomeAction.do) and file at cybercrime.gov.in.

Gem and Jewellery Investment Scam

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In Jaipur, Agra, and Delhi, friendly locals posing as students or government employees befriend tourists and take them to "family gem shops." They pitch the idea of buying precious stones or jewellery at supposedly below-market prices to resell in the victim's home country for large profit. The gems are worthless, heavily overpriced, or both. This scam has operated for decades and remains active in 2025.

How to spot it
  • - Friendly stranger who speaks excellent English approaching you near tourist sites
  • - Claim that Indian gems can easily be resold abroad for large profit
  • - Any "once in a lifetime" investment opportunity involving gems or precious stones
  • - Request for payment by wire transfer to a personal account
  • - No verifiable gem certification from a recognised laboratory (GIA, IGI)
What to do: Never invest in gems or handicrafts based on a stranger's recommendation. There is no legal scheme allowing large profit from reselling Indian gems abroad. If you want gems for personal use, use certified retailers.

Fake Government Tourist Office

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Near Connaught Place and India Gate (Delhi), Agra, Varanasi, and Jaipur, private travel agents operate offices with official-looking signage reading "Government of India Tourist Office" or "Ministry of Tourism Approved." They overcharge substantially for tours, train bookings, and accommodation.

How to spot it
  • - "Government Tourist Office" signage on a private commercial premises
  • - Charging cash for services available free or at low cost on official government portals
  • - Discouraging you from using IRCTC or the Incredible India portal
  • - Office located in a commercial shopping area rather than a government building
What to do: Official India Tourism information is at incredibleindia.org. Train bookings: irctc.co.in only. India Tourism offices are inside government buildings with official identification. Book directly to avoid inflated agent fees.

Fake Police / Government Official Extortion

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Individuals posing as plainclothes police or government officials stop foreigners and claim violations — photographing restricted areas, foreign exchange violations, or suspected drug possession. They threaten arrest unless a "spot fine" is paid in cash immediately.

How to spot it
  • - Plainclothes individuals claiming to be police wanting to inspect your bags or currency
  • - Focus on an alleged violation in a tourist area with excessive urgency
  • - Demand for cash on the spot to avoid "arrest"
  • - Refusal to take you to a police station when requested
What to do: Insist on going to the nearest police station. Demand a badge ID. Call your embassy. Real police do not accept cash fines on the street — all fines go through official government systems. Note the badge number and file a complaint at the police station.

Airport and Station Taxi Touts

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Touts aggressively approach arriving passengers claiming that pre-booked hotels are "closed," "full," or "in a bad area." They direct travellers to overpriced hotels, fake "government tourist offices," or their own overpriced taxi services. Active at all major airports and railway stations.

How to spot it
  • - Anyone approaching you unsolicited in the arrivals hall offering to help
  • - Claims that your specific hotel is "closed," "under renovation," or "in a dangerous area"
  • - Offers to drive you to an official-sounding "tourism office"
  • - Insistence on cash payment upfront for transport
What to do: Use the prepaid taxi counter inside the arrivals terminal (clearly marked, staffed by airport authority). Book Ola or Uber within the terminal. Call your hotel directly if uncertain about status. Never go with anyone who approaches you unsolicited.

Fake Job Offer — Gulf Country Placement Fraud

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Fraudulent job offers — particularly for positions in the UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia — demand advance payment for visa processing, documentation, or training. The job does not exist and the recruiter disappears after collecting fees. This targets Indian workers seeking employment abroad.

How to spot it
  • - Unsolicited job offer via WhatsApp or social media with unrealistically high salary
  • - Request for advance payment for visa, documentation, or "agency fees"
  • - Company details cannot be verified through official channels
  • - Recruitment conducted entirely via informal social media rather than official job portals
What to do: Never pay for job placement — legitimate employers and registered agents do not charge candidates. Verify any overseas recruiter through the Protector of Emigrants (emigrate.gov.in). Report fraud to local police and cybercrime.gov.in.

Reporting

Where to report: Cybercrime helpline: 1930 (24/7, toll-free) — verified. National Cybercrime Reporting Portal: cybercrime.gov.in (I4C / Ministry of Home Affairs). General emergency: 112. Police: 100. General fraud: nearest police station FIR. Banking fraud: call your bank immediately + RBI Ombudsman at cms.rbi.org.in. Investment fraud: SEBI at sebi.gov.in. Consumer fraud: National Consumer Helpline: 1915 (replaces earlier 14404 / 1800-11-4000).

Consumer helpline: National Consumer Helpline: 1915 (toll-free, 8 AM–8 PM daily) / consumerhelpline.gov.in. Cybercrime: 1930 / cybercrime.gov.in. SEBI investor helpline: 1800 22 7575. RBI helpline: 14448.