Area 4 of 7 · Phishing, SMS and WhatsApp scams
Detect Scams
Scams change every month, but the tricks behind them do not. Learn the five tricks and you can spot a scam you have never seen before.
Learn: five habits
Byte explains what to do, and why it works.
Stop when you are rushed
When a message says "today", "in 2 hours" or "last chance", put the phone down for a minute.
Why: Hurry is the scammer's main tool. A real bank, office or shop gives you time.
Check who is really sending it
Look at the number or the email address, not the name or the logo. Read a web address from right to left.
Why: Anyone can type "Bank" as a name. The address is much harder to fake.
Do not tap links in messages
Open the official app, or type the website address yourself.
Why: A link can take you to a perfect copy of the real page that only exists to steal your login.
Never install a file from a chat
Delete any message carrying an .apk file, whatever it claims to be: a challan, an invitation, a KYC form.
Why: These files are apps that read your SMS and OTPs.
Verify through a second channel
Call the person or the organisation on a number you already have, or one printed on your card or bill.
Why: A scammer controls the channel he contacted you on. He does not control the one you choose.
Red flags to remember
- Urgency: "in 2 hours", "today only", "last warning"
- Threats: blocked, arrested, disconnected, fined
- Rewards: a lottery, cashback or a job with huge pay
- Secrecy: "do not tell anyone"
- Odd ways to pay: gift cards, crypto or a "safe account"
Play
Clear at least one. The games are short, and every answer is explained.
Start here · Decide
Not playedScam or Safe
Ten messages, calls and pages land on your phone. Some are scams, some are real. Choose what to do with each one.
With Inspector Abhay · 10 situationsPlay Detective
Not playedWhatsApp Detective
Three chats, each with a scammer at work. Tap every red flag you can find before he gets what he wants.
With Byte · 15 cluesPlay Detective
Not playedFake Website Hunter
Two pages that want your money. Tap everything that gives them away, from the address bar to the small print.
With Byte · 13 cluesPlay Match
Not playedScams and Their Red Flags
Link each common scam in India to the warning sign that gives it away.
With Byte · 6 pairsPlay Shooter
Not playedPhish Shooter
Scam messages rain down. Blast the fake ones, let the real ones pass, and learn the red flags as you go.
With Inspector Abhay · 20 messagesPlay Race
Not playedCyber Safety Highway
Race to the finish. Inspector Abhay checks your scam sense at every checkpoint, but watch out: some checkpoints are fake.
With Inspector Abhay · 6 checkpointsPlay Spot
Not playedJob Offer: Real or Fake?
Naman reads out job offers. Spot the fake ones before they cost you money or your identity.
With Naman · 8 itemsPlay Story
Not playedNaman's Dream Job
Easy money for liking videos? Help Naman spot task scams, fee demands and fake recruiters.
With Inspector Abhay · 6 scenesPlay Practise
Optional, and worth it: a longer exercise that asks for your name and email so that your result is saved.
Check
Five situations from this area. Score 80 or more to complete it.
Mini test: 5 quick situations
Pick what you would really do in each one. Score 80 or more to complete this area. There is no timer, and you can try as many times as you like.
- About 2 minutes
- No sign-up
- Nothing leaves your phone
Lost money to a scam? Call 1930 at once, then your bank, then file a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. The first hour matters most.
Call 1930