WhatsApp has become India’s most used communication tool.
But, its also the most exploited by cybercriminals. From fake KYC updates to lottery wins, scams on WhatsApp are costing Indians crores every month. These scams operate in a systematic way, carefully designed to trick users into urgent action.
How these scams actually operate:
- Fake KYC Updates:Victims receive a message claiming to be from a bank, wallet, or telecom operator warning of “KYC expiry.” A link or number is shared where victims are asked for Aadhaar, PAN, or card details. Criminals use these details for financial frauds and SIM swaps.
- Electricity Bill Scam:Messages warn that “your electricity connection will be cut tonight” unless payment is made immediately. Victims are told to call a number where a scammer posing as an official instructs them to install a malicious app or transfer money.
- Parcel/Delivery Fraud:Victims receive fake courier messages claiming a parcel is stuck due to unpaid customs duty or verification. Clicking the link installs spyware or leads to phishing pages that steal bank credentials.
- Lottery/Prize Scams:Messages claim the victim has won a large cash prize or lucky draw. To “release” the prize, processing fees, GST, or courier charges are demanded. Once paid, the fraudster vanishes.
- Job/Investment Scams:Fake recruiters or “investment advisors” send links to join groups promising part-time work or quick profits. Victims are lured with small initial payouts, then trapped into depositing larger sums, which disappear.
- Impersonation of Trusted Contacts:Criminals clone a friend or relative’s WhatsApp profile picture and send urgent money requests. Victims, seeing a familiar display photo and name, transfer funds without verifying.
- Malware via Links:Links disguised as promotions, festival offers, or free recharge cards redirect victims to download malware. Once installed, the malware gains access to contacts, messages, and even banking apps.
Real Cases:
- Delhi Police warned of rising electricity bill scams where victims lost lakhs after installing remote access apps on instruction of fraudsters.
- Multiple states reported fake “KYC expiry” messages leading to SIM swaps, where criminals gained control of victims’ phone numbers to bypass OTP protections.
How to protect yourself:
- Never click on links received via unknown WhatsApp messages.
- Banks, electricity boards, and telecom companies do not use WhatsApp for official communication.
- Always verify payment requests directly with service providers.
- Block and report suspicious numbers immediately within WhatsApp.
- Report financial fraud atgov.in.
WhatsApp scams thrive on urgency and fear. Pause before acting—verification saves lives and money.
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ABOUT ‘AKANCHA SRIVASTAVA FOUNDATION’
The Akancha Srivastava Foundation is India’s leading social impact initiative dedicated to advancing cyber safety awareness and education. Established in February 2017, this not-for-profit Section 8 organization is a trusted voice in promoting safe online practices across the nation.
Distinguished Board of Advisors
Guided by an honorary advisory board of esteemed leaders:
- Former Special DGP RK Vij (Chhattisgarh Police)
- ADG Navniet Sekera (Uttar Pradesh Police)
- ADG Krishna Prakash (Maharashtra Police)
- Dr. Poonam Verma (Principal, SSCBS, Delhi University)
Our Mission
The Foundation is committed to educating, empowering, and building bridges between the public and authorities on critical cyber safety issues. Additionally, we specialize in forensics training for law enforcement, equipping them with the skills needed to tackle cybercrime effectively.