Top 10 Scams in India You Should Know About in 2025

In recent years, scams in India have evolved beyond imagination. Fraudsters have become tech-savvy, organized, and more daring, exploiting every possible loophole in systems and human psychology. With digital platforms taking over everything from banking to shopping, the scope for cyber and financial fraud has grown exponentially.

As we move into 2025, it’s more important than ever to stay informed and alert. Whether you’re an individual, a business owner, or simply someone who uses a smartphone, these scams can affect you.

Here’s a detailed look at the Top 10 Scams in India You Should Know About in 2025:

1. Deepfake Scams

What it is: Using AI-generated fake videos or voice recordings to impersonate trusted individuals, such as CEOs, relatives, or government officials.

Case Example: A finance manager of a Delhi-based company received a call from a “CEO” requesting an urgent fund transfer. It turned out to be a deepfake voice generated from YouTube videos.

Who it Targets: Business professionals, HR managers, relatives of NRIs.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Always verify requests for money through secondary communication.
• Avoid sharing voice or video data publicly when not required.

2. Job Scams on Telegram and WhatsApp

What it is: Fake HRs and companies lure job seekers with high-paying work-from-home roles. They often demand registration fees or trick users into completing fake tasks.

Case Example: A fresh graduate was asked to pay a ₹500 registration fee for a data entry job. After payment, the recruiter disappeared.

Who it Targets: Freshers, job seekers, homemakers, and students.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never pay for job placements.
• Verify the company and recruiter on LinkedIn and official websites.

3. Investment & Crypto Scams

What it is: Fraudulent “investment gurus” on Instagram, YouTube, and Telegram channels promising high returns on crypto or stocks.

Case Example: A Mumbai-based businessman lost ₹40 lakhs in a crypto trading scam that mimicked Binance UI.

Who it Targets: Middle-class investors, new crypto users, and small traders.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Stick to regulated platforms.
• Do not trust random influencers with investment advice.

4. Fake Loan App Harassment

What it is: Unregistered apps offer quick loans but then harass borrowers through threats, even accessing their contact lists.

Case Example: A Bengaluru woman borrowed ₹2000 and was asked to repay ₹5000 within 7 days with threats.

Who it Targets: Young adults, financially struggling individuals.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Only use RBI-approved loan apps.
• Read reviews and permissions before installing any financial app.
  

5. E-commerce & Marketplace Frauds

What it is: Buyers or sellers on platforms like OLX, Quikr, and Facebook Marketplace fall prey to scams involving fake payment screenshots, QR code frauds, or non-existent products.

Case Example: A man trying to sell his bike on OLX received a fake Google Pay link and lost ₹10,000.

Who it Targets: Online sellers, second-hand buyers.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never scan QR codes to receive money.
• Use cash on delivery or meet in public spaces.

6. Fake Government Schemes & KYC Updates

What it is: Scammers impersonate government bodies or banks, asking people to update KYC or claim benefits via malicious links.

Case Example: A pensioner clicked a fake KYC update link and lost ₹50,000 from his account.

Who it Targets: Elderly citizens, rural population.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Don’t click on SMS/email links claiming urgent KYC updates.
• Always visit the official website or call the helpline.
  

7. Fake Tech Support & Remote Access Scams

What it is: Victims are tricked into giving remote access to their devices by scammers posing as bank or technical support.

Case Example: A woman received a call from “bank support” and was asked to install AnyDesk. She lost ₹30,000.

Who it Targets: Senior citizens, non-tech-savvy individuals.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never install remote apps for unknown persons.
• Banks never ask for screen-sharing.
  

8. New Company Registration Scams

What it is: Scammers target newly registered businesses with fake compliance notices, fake invoice emails, or offers for paid reviews and directories.

Case Example: A startup received a fake legal notice asking for ₹5,000 as a compliance fee.

Who it Targets: Startups, new business owners.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Verify all notices on MCA or GST portal.
• Consult your CA or legal team before taking action.

9. Online Dating & Romance Scams

What it is: Scammers build emotional relationships online, then ask for money under false pretenses such as medical emergencies or travel plans.

Case Example: A Pune man lost ₹20 lakhs to someone he met on a dating app who claimed to be stuck at an airport.

Who it Targets: Singles, divorced/widowed individuals.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Never send money to someone you haven’t met in person.
• Be cautious of fast-moving relationships online.

10. Instagram Brand Collaboration Scams

What it is: Influencers and creators are promised brand deals or PR packages but are asked to pay for shipping or registration.

Case Example: A creator was promised a PR package but asked to pay ₹1,000 for shipping—only to be ghosted.

Who it Targets: Micro-influencers, students, content creators.

How to Protect Yourself:

• Research the brand before sharing personal details.
• Legit brands never ask you to pay to collaborate.

Final Thoughts

Scams in India are becoming more sophisticated every year, and 2025 is no different. From deepfakes to digital romance fraud, scammers are adapting quickly to new technologies and targeting vulnerable populations.

To stay protected:

• Be skeptical of anything that sounds too good to be true.
• Educate your family and colleagues.
• Report suspicious activity to Cyber Crime India: https://cybercrime.gov.in

Stay alert. Stay safe. Share this blog to help others avoid falling victim in 2025.