How to Recognise and Avoid the Most Common Cybercrimes: A Guide to Protecting Yourself

In today’s digital world, cybercrimes have become a significant threat to individuals and businesses alike. Cybercriminals are increasingly sophisticated, finding new ways to exploit people's fears, desires, and even their ignorance. These scams can take many forms, from phone calls to emails, and even text messages or social media posts. If you're not careful, you might find yourself falling victim to one of these deceptive schemes. To help you stay safe online, here’s a comprehensive guide on how to recognise and avoid the most common cybercrimes currently in vogue.

1. The Fake TRAI Disconnect Call

One of the most common scams involves a phone call claiming to be from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), informing you that your phone will be disconnected. The scammer will ask for your personal details or financial information to “resolve the issue.” *Don’t fall for it! This is a scam.* Always hang up immediately and never provide any personal or banking information over the phone. If you’re unsure, contact your service provider directly using their official contact details.

2. FedEx Package Scams

Another common scam is when you receive a call from someone claiming to be from FedEx. The caller may inform you that a package is being delivered and ask you to press a number (such as 1) to confirm your address. This is a typical scam designed to gather your personal information. Simply hang up and ignore any such requests. Authentic courier companies will never ask you to confirm your information via phone calls in this manner.

3. Fake Police Calls About Aadhaar or Digital Arrest

A worrying trend is scammers pretending to be police officers or government officials. They might tell you that there’s an issue with your Aadhaar card or that you are under "digital arrest." They may even claim that illegal drugs have been found in a package addressed to you. *This is a scam!* Real authorities will never contact you in this way. If in doubt, reach out to the relevant authorities through their official channels.

4. Scare Tactics and Threatening Calls

Scammers often try to pressure their victims by telling them they are involved in illegal activities or that they are under investigation. This could include fabricated charges of drugs or money laundering. The scammer will tell you not to share this with anyone and to make an immediate payment to avoid arrest. Remember, this is always a scam. Legitimate agencies will not act this way. If you are ever in doubt, hang up and contact your local police station or cybercrime unit.

5. The Fraudulent UPI Transaction Scam

A particularly devious scam involves someone contacting you to say that they mistakenly transferred money to your UPI ID. They will ask you to return the money immediately. Never respond to these calls or messages. If you believe the transaction is legitimate, verify it through your bank’s official app or website. Under no circumstances should you share your UPI PIN or OTP with anyone.

6. Online Shopping Scams

In some cases, scammers impersonate representatives from popular services like Swiggy or Zomato, asking you to confirm your address or make payments for supposed orders. This is another common way scammers try to gain access to your personal information. If you receive such a call, do not provide any information. Instead, check your orders on the official app or website. And remember: legitimate companies will never ask for payment details over the phone.

7. Investment and Cryptocurrency Scams

Cryptocurrency scams have been on the rise, with fraudsters promising easy money through investments in cryptocurrencies or stocks. They claim to have "insider knowledge" of the market and guarantee high returns. If something seems too good to be true, it likely is. Always research before investing and remember that no one can predict market movements with certainty. 

8. Job Scams and Fake Home-Based Work

Another common scam preys on those seeking work-from-home opportunities. Scammers promise easy jobs and the chance to make money from home, only to later ask for an upfront payment for “training” or “material” that never arrives. Always be cautious of such offers, especially when payment is requested before any work has been done. If you are looking for legitimate work-from-home opportunities, always verify the company and read reviews from other workers.

9. Fake Loan Apps

Easy loan apps are another dangerous form of scam. These apps promise instant loans with minimal documentation but often trap users into a cycle of debt. They may initially offer small loans but later encourage you to take larger loans under increasingly difficult terms. If you find yourself caught in this situation, the consequences can be severe, with harassment and threats from the loan app operators. Always be cautious when downloading any financial apps and ensure they are legitimate.

10. Calls From Police or Court Representatives

Scammers also pose as law enforcement or court officers, claiming you have been summoned or that you are involved in a case. They may ask for money to resolve the issue. In some instances, they may ask you to physically appear at a police station or court. Legitimate government officials will always communicate through proper legal channels and not through informal calls or messages.

11. Never Share Sensitive Information

Whether it's your debit/credit card number, OTP, or any personal details, never share them with anyone over the phone or online. Legitimate businesses or government agencies will never ask for this kind of information in unsolicited communication.

12. Stay Vigilant and Report Scams

If you encounter a scam, it's essential to report it. In India, you can report such incidents to the Cyber Crime Police at **1930** or visit the official portal [cybercrime.gov.in](https://cybercrime.gov.in/) for further assistance. Reporting scams not only helps you protect yourself but also helps prevent others from falling victim to similar fraudulent activities.

Final Thoughts: Be Aware, Be Safe

While cybercrime can seem overwhelming, awareness is your best defence. Always stop and think before taking action on any unsolicited call, email, or message. Verify the legitimacy of any communication you receive, and never feel pressured to act immediately. By following these simple steps and sharing this information with others, you can help protect yourself and your loved ones from falling prey to cybercriminals.

Remember: if something seems too good to be true, it probably is.