scam playbooks
Got a strange message? Find it here.
Every scam here works the same way: a familiar name, a little pressure, then a link, a code or a payment. Find yours, see the red flags and what to do now.
the one rule
Don’t click, pay, install or share a code until you’ve checked it another way.
Check my message with KavalFree to start. Nothing to install.
find the one you got
- Banking phishingHDFC KYC SMS ScamHow to spot fake HDFC KYC SMS and WhatsApp messages, avoid phishing links, and know what to do if you entered details.
- Banking phishingSBI KYC SMS ScamA practical guide to checking SBI KYC SMS messages, fake account-blocking links, and phishing attempts before sharing bank details.
- Delivery phishingParcel Delivery Fee ScamLearn how fake courier messages ask for small delivery fees, address updates, or customs payments that lead to phishing and card theft.
- Payment fraudUPI Collect Request ScamUnderstand UPI collect request scams, why entering UPI PIN sends money, and how to check refund or marketplace payment requests.
- Payment fraudQR Code Refund ScamHow scammers use QR codes for fake refunds, marketplace payments, courier returns, and prize claims that actually send money out.
- Account takeoverWhatsApp Account Takeover Code ScamHow WhatsApp verification code scams take over accounts, what to do if you shared a code, and how to protect family contacts.
- MalwareFake APK Install ScamWhy APK files sent through WhatsApp, SMS, or Telegram are dangerous, what permissions to watch for, and what to do after installing one.
- Remote access fraudRemote Access App ScamHow refund, bank, delivery, and customer support scammers use remote access or screen sharing apps to steal money and credentials.
- Job fraudFake Job Offer WhatsApp ScamHow fake job offers, recruiter messages, task jobs, and registration fee scams work on WhatsApp and Telegram.
- Investment fraudFake Investment WhatsApp Group ScamHow fake investment groups, trading mentors, crypto schemes, and profit screenshots trap victims through WhatsApp and Telegram.
- Impersonation extortionDigital Arrest ScamWhat digital arrest scams are, how fake police and courier video calls work, and what to do if someone threatens you online.
- Support impersonationFake Customer Support Number ScamHow fake support numbers appear in search, social posts, maps, and messages, and how to verify customer care safely.
- Payment proof fraudFake Payment Screenshot ScamHow fake payment screenshots trick sellers into shipping goods, returning excess money, or releasing documents before funds arrive.
- Loan app abuseLoan App Permission ScamHow abusive loan apps request dangerous permissions, charge hidden fees, harass contacts, and trap borrowers.
- Account takeoverSIM Swap Warning SignsWarning signs of SIM swap risk after phone number leaks, what to secure first, and how to reduce OTP takeover damage.
- Credential phishingAccount Locked Phishing EmailHow account locked emails imitate banks, email providers, social apps, and cloud tools to steal passwords and recovery codes.
- Authority impersonationFake Government Notice ScamHow fake government notices, tax warnings, document updates, and benefit messages create urgency and steal data.
- Marketplace fraudFake Rental Deposit ScamHow fake rental listings use reused photos, refundable visit tokens, and advance deposits to collect money before a real viewing.
- Donation fraudFake Charity Donation ScamHow fake charity appeals use emotional images, urgent QR codes, and copied NGO names to collect money after disasters or personal emergencies.
- Refund fraudRefund Processing Fee ScamWhy refund scams ask for processing fees, tax, bank verification, QR scans, or remote access before releasing money.
- ImpersonationInstagram Impersonation ScamWhat to do when someone creates a fake Instagram profile, messages your contacts, or uses your photos for scams.
- Traffic fine phishingFake E-Challan SMS ScamGot a traffic challan SMS with a payment link or an APK?
- Utility phishingElectricity Bill Disconnection Scam“Your power will be cut tonight” messages with a number to call are a scam.
- Vehicle payment phishingFASTag KYC SMS ScamMessages about FASTag KYC, blacklisting or low balance with a link are a common trap.
- Tax phishingIncome Tax Refund SMS ScamA tax refund message with a link to “verify your account” is a scam.
- Provident fund fraudEPFO PF Withdrawal ScamEPFO never asks for your UAN, OTP or bank details on calls or messages, and never charges a fee to release PF.
- Utility phishingLPG Gas KYC ScamA message saying your gas connection or subsidy will stop unless you do e-KYC through a link or app is a scam.
- Telecom impersonationTRAI SIM Block Call ScamTRAI never calls or messages to block your number.
- Banking phishingCredit Card Reward Points Scam“Your reward points worth Rs 9,980 expire today” with an app to install is a scam.
- Identity phishingPAN Card Blocked SMS ScamMessages saying your PAN or bank account is blocked and must be updated through a link are fake.
- Identity phishingAadhaar Suspended SMS ScamUIDAI does not suspend Aadhaar through SMS links or calls.