Scam type
Fake government notices and refunds
These copy a real department and give you a reason to act today: a refund waiting, a card about to lapse, a fine due, the power cut tonight. The link goes to a lookalike page that takes your details, or to an app that takes over your phone. Check anything like this on the department's own website, typed in yourself, never through the link.
How to recognise it
- A deadline measured in hours
- A link whose address is not the department's own website
- A request to install an app or pay a small fee
The 6 guides
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Aadhaar Scam India 2026: AePS Fraud and Fake Links
AePS fraud drained Indian bank accounts using cloned fingerprints. Spot fake UIDAI update links, lock your Aadhaar biometrics, and report to 1930.
Do this now
- 1. Do not tap the link UIDAI never updates Aadhaar through an SMS link.
- 2. Lock your biometrics On mAadhaar or uidai.gov.in. This is the real AePS defence.
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PAN 2.0 and e-PAN Card Scams in India (2026)
Fake PAN 2.0 and e-PAN download emails are phishing for your Aadhaar and bank details. How to spot the scam, protect your PAN, and report it to 1930.
Do this now
- 1. Do not click, do not reply PAN 2.0 does not require you to re-enter anything by SMS.
- 2. Check on the real portal Type incometax.gov.in yourself in a fresh browser tab.
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How to Spot an ITR Refund Scam in India (2026)
Indians lost Rs 22,495 crore to cyber fraud in 2025. Spot fake ITR refund SMS, phishing emails, and clone portals, and report to 1930.
Do this now
- 1. Do not click or call back The income tax department does not SMS refund links.
- 2. Check your real refund status Log in at incometax.gov.in yourself.
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SIR Voter Roll Scam 2026: Fake BLO Calls and Links
The SIR voter-roll drive is live and scammers pose as BLOs sending fake enumeration links to steal Aadhaar and OTPs. Spot the fakes and report to 1930.
Do this now
- 1. Share no OTP, install nothing Voter verification never needs an OTP read to a stranger.
- 2. Call 1950 to verify The official voter helpline. Or check voters.eci.gov.in.
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Got a Traffic Challan SMS? Don't Pay Until You Verify.
Fake traffic challan SMS scams are draining bank accounts across India. How to identify fake e-challan messages and what to do if you clicked one.
Do this now
- 1. Do not open the link Real challans are never a payment link sent by SMS.
- 2. Check echallan.parivahan.gov.in Type it yourself. Your vehicle number will be on a real challan.
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Electricity Bill SMS Scam in India: Spot and Stop
Got an SMS saying your power will be cut tonight at 9:30 PM unless you pay? It is a scam targeting every Indian household. How to spot it and what to do.
Do this now
- 1. Ignore the 9:30 PM threat Real disconnection is a multi-stage process over 15+ days.
- 2. Call 1912, not the number in the SMS The national power helpline routes to your state discom.