Fake Call Frauds – Akhil Bhartiya Cyber Suraksha Sangathan (Regd.)

📞 FAKE CALL FRAUDS — OVERVIEW

Fake call fraud — also known as Vishing (Voice Phishing) — is one of the fastest-growing cyber crimes in India. Fraudsters make phone calls impersonating bank officials, government agencies (CBI, ED, TRAI, Income Tax), telecom companies, courier services, police or technical support representatives. Using psychological pressure, fear and urgency, they trick victims into revealing OTPs, sharing banking credentials, transferring money or installing remote access apps on their devices. The most dangerous recent variant is the Digital Arrest Scam — where criminals impersonate high-ranking police and CBI officers and put victims under fake "digital arrest" via video call, extorting lakhs of rupees. No government agency in India ever conducts arrests or interrogations over phone or video call. Fake call fraud is a serious criminal offence under Indian law.

₹120 Cr+

Lost to Digital Arrest Scams (2024)

11.28 Lakh

Vishing Complaints in India (2023)

45%

Of All Cyber Fraud via Phone Calls

1930

National Cyber Helpline 24×7

⚠️ How Fake Call Frauds Are Carried Out

Calling victims impersonating bank or RBI officials demanding OTP or card details
Impersonating CBI, ED, police or court officials to threaten fake arrest
Claiming your mobile number/SIM will be disconnected by TRAI unless verified
Pretending to be courier company to deliver "package stuck at customs"
Fake technical support calls claiming your computer or account is hacked
Impersonating Amazon, Flipkart customer care to process fake refunds
Calling as KYC update agents demanding Aadhaar and bank details
Using spoofed numbers that appear as official government or bank numbers

✅ How to Protect Yourself from Fake Calls

Never share OTP, CVV, PIN or password with anyone on phone — ever
Hang up immediately if a caller claims to be from CBI, police or court
Call back on the official helpline number — do not trust numbers given by caller
Do not install any app (AnyDesk, TeamViewer) as instructed by a caller
Do not transfer money under pressure of "legal action" or "arrest warrant"
Verify KYC update requests by visiting your bank branch in person
Register on the National Do Not Disturb (DND) registry to reduce spam calls
Trust your instinct — if a call feels threatening or suspicious, disconnect

🔍 Types of Fake Call Frauds

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Bank Official Impersonation

The most common vishing attack — callers claim to be from your bank's fraud department, stating suspicious activity on your account. They urgently request your OTP, debit card number, CVV or net banking credentials to "secure your account." Once shared, your account is emptied within minutes.

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Digital Arrest Scam (CBI / Police Impersonation)

The most dangerous fake call fraud in India. Fraudsters call via WhatsApp or regular calls posing as CBI, ED, Narcotics Control Bureau or police officers. They accuse the victim of involvement in a crime (drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal SIM cards) and put them under "digital arrest" — ordering them to stay on the call and pay money to avoid actual arrest.

📡

TRAI / Telecom Disconnection Scam

Fraudsters call claiming to be from TRAI or your telecom operator (Jio, Airtel, BSNL) stating your mobile number will be disconnected within 2 hours due to illegal activity or KYC non-compliance. They ask victims to "press 9" to connect to an executive who then extracts personal details or money to "restore" the number.

📦

FedEx / Courier Parcel Scam

Callers impersonate FedEx, DHL, Blue Dart or Indian customs officials claiming a parcel in the victim's name has been seized at customs containing illegal items (drugs, fake currency, weapons). The victim is asked to pay "customs clearance fees" or connected to a fake CBI officer who demands payment to avoid arrest.

💻

Tech Support Scam

Callers claim to be from Microsoft, Apple or your antivirus company stating your computer is infected with a dangerous virus and all your data is at risk. They direct victims to install remote access software (AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport) — which gives the fraudster complete control of the device, banking apps and all saved passwords.

💳

KYC / Aadhaar Update Scam

Fraudsters call posing as bank or Aadhaar centre staff claiming the victim's KYC has expired and their account/SIM will be blocked unless updated immediately. They ask for Aadhaar number, PAN, OTP, bank account details or selfie — all used to complete fraudulent transactions or open new bank accounts in the victim's name.

🎁

Lottery / Prize Money Scam Call

Caller informs the victim they have won a massive lottery prize, a car, gold or a government scheme reward. To claim the prize, victims are asked to pay "processing fees," "TDS charges," "customs duty" or share bank account details for the transfer. The prize never arrives and all paid amounts are lost.

🛒

Fake Customer Care Refund Call

Fraudsters call posing as Amazon, Flipkart, Paytm or bank customer care claiming a refund is ready for processing. They ask victims to share their UPI ID or enter a PIN on their phone to "receive" the refund. Victims who comply find their accounts debited instead of credited — because entering UPI PIN authorises a payment, not a receipt.

💰

Loan / Investment Scheme Call

Callers offer instant personal loans at zero interest or guaranteed high-return investment schemes. They ask for upfront processing fees, insurance premiums or security deposits before the loan or investment is disbursed. Once the money is paid, the callers become unreachable. No legitimate lender asks for advance fees before disbursing a loan.

💊

Health / Insurance Benefit Scam Call

Callers pose as government health scheme workers (Ayushman Bharat) or insurance company representatives offering free health cards, insurance top-ups or unclaimed policy benefits. They ask for Aadhaar, PAN, bank details and a small "registration fee" — leading to identity theft or financial fraud targeting mostly senior citizens.

🚨 DIGITAL ARREST SCAM — SPECIAL ALERT

The Digital Arrest Scam is India's most dangerous and rapidly growing phone fraud. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has personally warned the nation about this scam. Victims — including IAS officers, doctors, professors, businessmen and senior citizens — have lost crores of rupees. Here is exactly how it works:

📞

Step 1 — The Initial Call

Victim receives a call from someone claiming to be a courier company — a parcel in their name contains drugs, fake currency or illegal documents and has been seized at customs.

👮

Step 2 — Transfer to Fake Officer

The call is "transferred" to a fake CBI, NCB, ED or police officer on WhatsApp video call. The "officer" wears a uniform and sits in a fake "government office" set up for the scam.

😨

Step 3 — Digital Arrest Declared

The fake officer accuses the victim of serious crimes and announces they are under "digital arrest" — ordering them to remain on the video call continuously and not tell anyone.

💸

Step 4 — Money Extorted

Under intense psychological pressure over hours or days, the victim is forced to transfer lakhs of rupees to "pay bail" or "secure accounts." Once paid, the fraudsters disappear.

⚠️ REMEMBER: NO GOVERNMENT AGENCY — CBI, POLICE, ED, TRAI, COURT — EVER CONDUCTS ARRESTS OR INTERROGATIONS OVER PHONE OR VIDEO CALL. IF YOU RECEIVE SUCH A CALL, HANG UP AND CALL 1930 IMMEDIATELY.

📞 EXAMPLE — HOW A FAKE BANK CALL SOUNDS (SAMPLE)

Sample Vishing Call — Bank OTP Fraud

Fraudster: "Hello, am I speaking with Mr. Sharma? This is Rahul from SBI Fraud Department. We have detected a suspicious transaction of ₹49,000 on your account. To block this transaction, we need to verify your identity immediately."

Victim: "Oh no, yes please stop it!"

Fraudster: "Please do not worry sir. I am sending an OTP to your registered mobile. Please share that OTP with me to authenticate and block the transaction."

Victim: "Okay, the OTP is 7-4-2-1-9-8."

Fraudster: "Thank you sir, the transaction has been blocked. You will receive a confirmation SMS shortly." [Call disconnects. ₹49,000 is immediately debited from victim's account using the OTP]

⚠️ Red Flag 1: Banks NEVER call you asking for OTP. OTP is a secret — sharing it authorises the transaction, it does not block it.

⚠️ Red Flag 2: Urgency and panic — "suspicious transaction" creates fear so you act without thinking.

⚠️ Red Flag 3: The fraudster sounds professional and has your name — your data may have been bought from a data breach or leaked database.

✅ What to Do: Hang up immediately. Call your bank's official number printed on the back of your debit card. Never share OTP with anyone — ever.

🚩 RED FLAGS — HOW TO IDENTIFY A FAKE CALL

🔴

Caller Asks for OTP, CVV, PIN or Net Banking Password

No bank, government agency or legitimate company ever calls and asks for your OTP, debit card CVV, net banking password or UPI PIN. This is the most reliable indicator of a fraud call — disconnect immediately.

🔴

Extreme Urgency and Threats of Arrest, Legal Action or Account Block

"Your account will be blocked in 2 hours", "You will be arrested today", "This is your last chance" — fraudsters use extreme urgency and fear to prevent you from thinking clearly or consulting family before taking action.

🔴

Caller Instructs You to Install a Remote Access App

If any caller — claiming to be from any company or government department — asks you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport or any screen-sharing app on your phone or computer, hang up immediately. This gives them full control of your device.

🔴

Caller Asks You to Keep the Matter Confidential

A genuine government official or bank would never ask you to keep an investigation secret from your family or colleagues. If a caller says "do not tell anyone about this call" or "this is a confidential matter," it is a 100% scam — designed to isolate you from people who might help you recognise the fraud.

🔴

Call Comes from a Foreign or Unknown Number

Be suspicious of calls from numbers starting with +92 (Pakistan), +1 (US), +44 (UK) or any international number claiming to be from Indian government agencies or banks. Also be wary of numbers starting with +91-1-xxxx or calls from private mobile numbers claiming official identity.

🔴

Caller Transfers You Multiple Times Between "Officers"

The call gets transferred from a courier company to a "customs officer" to a "CBI officer" to a "Supreme Court official" — creating an elaborate fake bureaucracy designed to overwhelm you and make the scam seem more official and credible.

🔴

Caller Asks You to Transfer Money to "Safe Account" or "Court Fees"

No government agency, court or police department in India collects payments, bail money or fees through phone calls to private bank accounts. Any caller asking you to transfer money to "secure your account" or "pay court fees via UPI" is committing fraud.

🔴

Offer of Prize, Lottery Win or Free Government Benefit

India's government never announces lottery prizes or distributes cash benefits through random phone calls. Any call offering a prize, unclaimed insurance, government scheme money or lottery win that requires payment of any fee is a scam — guaranteed.

🚨 If You Receive a Suspicious Call or Have Already Been Defrauded

During the call: Stay calm. Do NOT share any OTP, password, bank details or personal information. Hang up immediately.
Do NOT install any app as instructed by the caller — regardless of how official they sound
Do NOT transfer any money under any pressure — even if they threaten arrest or legal action
Call your bank's official helpline immediately to block transactions if you shared any credentials
Call National Cyber Helpline 1930 immediately — quick reporting can freeze and recover money
File a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in — select "Financial Fraud" or "Vishing / Fake Call"
Save the fraudulent caller's number, note down the time and what was said — this is evidence
Take screenshots of WhatsApp calls, numbers or any messages received as part of the scam
File FIR at the nearest Cyber Crime Cell — bring all saved evidence
Inform your family and friends about the scam to prevent them from falling victim to similar calls

📰 REAL FAKE CALL FRAUD CASES — INDIA

2024 — Delhi — Digital Arrest Scam

Retired IAS Officer Loses ₹3.2 Crore in Digital Arrest Scam

A retired IAS officer in Delhi was kept under "digital arrest" via WhatsApp video call for 6 days by fraudsters posing as CBI and Supreme Court officials. Believing he was under official investigation for money laundering linked to a known criminal, he transferred ₹3.2 crore in multiple instalments. The Cyber Crime Cell arrested 4 persons from Uttar Pradesh operating the scam from a rented flat equipped with police uniform props and fake government office backgrounds.

2024 — Mumbai — TRAI Disconnection Scam

Doctor Loses ₹1.7 Crore After Fake TRAI Call

A senior doctor in Mumbai received a call claiming her Aadhaar-linked mobile number was used to send illegal messages. The call was transferred to a fake CBI officer who conducted a "digital interrogation" over 3 days, convincing her to transfer ₹1.7 crore to a "Supreme Court registry account" to clear her name. PM Modi later cited this case as an example while warning the nation about digital arrest scams in his Mann Ki Baat address.

2023 — Bengaluru — FedEx Parcel Scam

Software Engineer Loses ₹85 Lakh in FedEx Scam

A Bengaluru software engineer received a call from "FedEx customer care" informing him that a parcel in his name contained 5 SIM cards and MDMA drugs. The call was transferred to a fake NCB officer who put him under "digital arrest" for 10 hours. Under extreme psychological pressure, the engineer transferred ₹85 lakh to 7 different accounts. Cyber police traced the scam to a call centre in Rajasthan.

2022 — Hyderabad — OTP Bank Fraud

Senior Citizen Loses ₹12 Lakh After Sharing OTP with Fake Bank Official

A 72-year-old Hyderabad resident received a call from a person claiming to be from his bank's KYC update team. The caller had his account number and correctly named his last 3 transactions — building trust. He was asked to share the OTP "to prevent account blocking." Within minutes of sharing the OTP, ₹12 lakh was transferred in 3 transactions. The caller had obtained the victim's details from a data leak at a third-party payment processor.

⚖️ APPLICABLE LAWS

IT Act Sec 66C IT Act Sec 66D BNS Sec 318 BNS Sec 319 BNS Sec 308 BNS Sec 351 BNS Sec 204 IPC 170

IT Act Section 66C — Identity Theft: Fraudulently using another person's identity — impersonating bank officials, CBI officers, TRAI representatives or government agencies via phone — is punishable with imprisonment up to 3 years and fine up to ₹1 lakh. Covers caller ID spoofing and impersonation of official bodies.

IT Act Section 66D — Cheating by Personation: Cheating by impersonation using any communication device — directly covering all vishing calls, fake tech support calls and digital arrest scams — imprisonment up to 3 years and fine up to ₹1 lakh. This is the most directly applicable IT Act section for fake call fraud.

BNS Section 318 — Cheating: All financial losses caused through fake call fraud — OTP theft, fake lottery fees, advance loan charges — are covered under cheating provisions. Imprisonment up to 7 years and fine. For organised vishing gangs causing large-scale losses, courts impose maximum sentences.

BNS Section 319 — Cheating by Impersonation: Impersonating a CBI officer, police inspector, bank manager or government official to commit fraud — imprisonment up to 5 years and fine. Covers digital arrest scams and all calls where official identity is falsely claimed.

BNS Section 308 — Extortion: Digital arrest scams where victims are forced to pay money under threat of arrest are extortion — imprisonment up to 3–10 years and fine depending on the amount extorted. These cases are treated as serious organised crime by law enforcement.

BNS Section 351 — Criminal Intimidation: Threatening arrest, imprisonment or damage to reputation via phone calls to compel transfer of money — imprisonment up to 2–7 years and fine. Covers the threatening language used in digital arrest scams.

BNS Section 204 / IPC 170 — Impersonating a Public Servant: Pretending to be a police officer, CBI official, court representative, customs officer or any other public servant is a specific offence — imprisonment up to 2–5 years. Filing this additional charge strengthens prosecution in digital arrest cases.

📝 Report This Crime

📝 Report Fake Call Fraud to ABCSS

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