Staying safe online
The scams that reach villages — and the one rule that stops most of them.
One rule
Never share an OTP, PIN or password
No bank, government office or company will ever ask for them — not on the phone, not on WhatsApp, not in person. Anyone who asks is trying to take your money.
What the call usually sounds like
“Tell me the OTP to confirm”
An OTP only confirms something you started. If you did not start it, giving the OTP completes their transaction, not yours.
“Enter your UPI PIN to receive money”
You never need a PIN to receive money. Entering it sends money out of your account.
“Your KYC expires today, your account will be blocked”
Urgency is the trick. Hang up and call the number printed on your passbook or card.
“Pay a small fee to get the job, loan or prize”
Genuine jobs, loans and prizes never ask for money first.
“This website looks like the government one”
Official addresses end in gov.in or nic.in. Check the address bar before typing anything.
If you have lost money
Call 1930 immediately or report at cybercrime.gov.in. The sooner you report, the better the chance of stopping the transfer.