Fraudsters are finding innovative ways to exploit victims, even using AI to pinpoint their targets’ vulnerabilities. Recent graduates are being lured with fake job offers, middle-aged parents are threatened with false police cases, and retirees are tricked into revealing financial details under the pretense of KYC updates. Cybercrime in India has surged to industrial levels.

From January to May 2024 alone, nearly 9.5 lakh complaints were registered on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal—approximately one complaint every 14 seconds, with losses totaling around Rs 1,750 crore. While middle-aged and older adults are particularly vulnerable, younger individuals are not immune. Here are 10 common scams to be cautious of:

1. TRAI Impersonation ScamScammers posing as TRAI representatives claim your phone number is involved in illegal activities and may be suspended, transferring you to a fake cybercrime "officer." Note: TRAI doesn't disconnect phone services; telecom companies do.

2. Digital Arrest ThreatsFraudsters impersonate police, claiming you're involved in a crime, with a fake CBI "officer" threatening digital arrest. Remember: Police do not conduct online arrests.

3. Fake Family Member ArrestsScammers may claim a relative is about to be arrested, demanding payment to drop charges, sometimes using AI to mimic a family member’s voice.

4. Stock Trading SchemesSocial media ads lure victims with promises of 30-40% returns. Victims see fake portfolio growth, leading them to invest more, only to find scammers disappear when they try to withdraw funds.

5. "Easy Money for Simple Tasks" ScamsScammers offer money for simple tasks like liking social media posts but then persuade victims to invest in crypto with fake returns.

6. Customs ScamVictims receive fake messages about intercepted contraband, prompting them to pay a bribe or click a link, which grants scammers device access.

7. Fake Credit Card TransactionsScammers claim a large credit card transaction occurred, redirecting victims to fraudsters who then ask for card details and OTP.

8. False Money Transfer NotificationsVictims receive fake messages about credited money, followed by calls from scammers asking to "return" the non-existent funds.

9. Fraudulent KYC UpdatesScammers send fake links for KYC updates. Banks never request online KYC updates; they require in-person interactions.

10. Fake Tax RefundsScammers pose as tax officials offering faster refunds, requesting bank details to empty accounts.

Despite warnings from RBI, banks, and other organizations, fraudsters continue to exploit individuals, with scams affecting a wide age range. Stay vigilant and avoid these common traps.