Avoiding Scams: How to spot tricks and protect your money
Scams move fast and clever people fall for them every day. The good news: most scams follow the same tricks. If you know the common moves and keep a few simple habits, you can avoid most fraud without stress. Read these steps and use them when something feels off.
Common scams and red flags
Phone phishing: someone calls pretending to be your bank, tax office, or delivery service and asks for OTP or card details. Never share OTPs or CVV on a call.
UPI and transaction scams: fraudsters ask you to approve a payment or scan a QR code that looks real but routes money to them. Always check the receiver name in the app before approving.
Fake job, loan, or investment offers: promises of high returns or easy loans with small fees are usually traps. If it sounds too good, it probably is.
Romance or social media scams: new friends ask for money, gifts, or for you to move chats to other apps quickly. Don’t rush trust online.
Fraudulent websites and phishing emails: look for odd URLs, spelling mistakes, or misspelled brand names. Real companies use official domains and do not pressure you to act immediately.
Practical steps to avoid scams right now
Pause before you act. Scammers push for quick decisions. Take a breath, hang up, and verify through official channels.
Never share OTPs, CVV, or full bank PINs. Banks and payment apps will never ask for these over phone or chat.
Enable two-factor authentication and use strong, unique passwords for each important account. A password manager can help.
Keep your phone and apps updated. Security patches fix holes scammers try to use.
Use official apps from the Play Store or App Store, and check the developer name. Avoid clicking links from unknown SMS, email, or social posts.
For older family members, set up basic safeguards: limit transaction approvals, explain common tricks, and be ready to step in if they get a suspicious call.
If you think you were targeted, act fast: block the payment app or card, change passwords, and contact your bank fraud team immediately to freeze transactions.
Preserve evidence: save messages, call logs, transaction IDs, screenshots, and any bank SMS. These help when you report the case.
Report scams to local police and file a complaint on the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal. Also alert your bank and the payment app provider so they can trace and block the fraudster.
Making these habits part of daily life cuts your risk a lot. Scammers rely on panic and speed. Slow down, verify, and ask for help when unsure. That small pause can save you time, money, and stress.
Is It Safe to Buy Assignments Online in India? How to Avoid Scams
Purchasing assignments online in India can be safe, but it's critical to stay vigilant to avoid scams. Always use reputable services with positive reviews and transparent policies. Be wary of unusually low prices or promises of unrealistic turnaround times, as they may indicate a scam. Never provide personal or financial information unless you're confident in the site's security. It's all about researching thoroughly and using common sense to ensure a safe transaction.
