From ‘digital arrests’ to fake OTPs, cybercrime in India is no longer just about hackers in hoodies. It wears many masks—fraud calls promising lottery wins, malware links disguised as job offers, and financial scams that can erase your savings in a click. Cybercriminals exploit trust, speed, and even the smallest lapse in vigilance.
Cyber criminals made away with Rs 22,845.73 crore in 2024 in India, according to the government, up sharply by 206% from the previous year, highlighting a digital threat landscape that’s growing faster than ever, according to the latest NCRB data.
With the alarming rise in cybercrimes in the country, the threats lurking online are more sophisticated than ever and no one is truly safe. Here are the various scams lurking in the digital battlefield:
Digital arrest
Scammers pose as cops, customs officials or as courier agents accusing you of sending "illegal items". Fear is the name of the game and they keep you bound in a virtual prison trying to suck the last ounce of money you have. The elderly are among the chief targets for these unscrupulous predators.
Read more about digital arrest here.
Phishing hooks
Fake emails or texts imitate people you know, luring you to click links or share logins. One click, and your data is gone.
WhatsApp OTP trap
A "friend" asks for your OTP. OTP shared and your account is snared to scam everyone you know.
Read more about WhatsApp OTP scam here.
Crypto hypno
Fraudsters create fake Telegram groups, apps, and testimonials promising high returns, take your money, then vanish.
Job scam
Victims are contacted initially via whatsapp with attractive part-time job offers. Small initial payouts, testimonies reel you in and eventually convinces you to invest more. Soon, you lost it all.
Lottery lies
Fake social media ads claim you’ve “won.” All you need is to pay fees or charges. Hand over the money, and the fraudsters disappear.
E-challan trap
A fake SMS for traffic fines hides spyware in your phone, stealing OTPs, data, and money , all of this without you knowing.
Sextortion
Threats of leaking “compromising” photos or videos force victims into paying or sending more explicit content.
Romance scams
Cybercriminals target victims on dating websites and apps pretending to be other people. Scammers start the relationship with their victim on the website or app before moving the conversation to a more 'private' channel.
