Visual Inspection Trainer

Red-Flag Trainer

Scammers use specific psychological triggers: artificial urgency, fear of authority, and fake credentials. Inspect these fictional examples to train your eyes.

Digital Arrest (WhatsApp / Video Call)

Example (made up)

FINAL LEGAL NOTICE: You are connected to Delhi Cyber Police Special Cell. An illegal package containing narcotics and 5 fake passports booked with your Aadhaar ID has been seized at Mumbai Airport Customs. You are placed under DIGITAL ARREST. You must remain on video camera, do not disconnect or inform family, and transfer Rs 2,50,000 security deposit to the RBI Verified Account +919876543210@fakeupi to avoid immediate police arrival.

Red Flags Identified in this message:

Suspicious Phrase: "DIGITAL ARREST"

'Digital arrest' does not exist in Indian law. Police cannot arrest anyone through video calls.

Suspicious Phrase: "do not disconnect or inform family"

Scammers enforce isolation and secrecy so victims cannot consult loved ones or authorities.

Suspicious Phrase: "transfer Rs 2,50,000 security deposit to the RBI Verified Account"

Government agencies and courts NEVER ask citizens to transfer money to personal UPI accounts to 'clear' cases.

Key takeaway: This message exhibits the three classic digital arrest pillars: false official authority, isolation demands, and urgent extortion into a private UPI account.

UPI QR Scam (OLX / Resale Chat)

Example (made up)

Sir, I am buying your sofa. I am in the Indian Army posted at the border, so I cannot visit in person. I am transferring the full Rs 12,000 in advance via QR code. Please scan this QR code and approve the request with your 6-digit UPI PIN to receive the money instantly in your bank account.

Red Flags Identified in this message:

Suspicious Phrase: "Indian Army posted at the border"

Impersonating armed forces personnel is a standard scammer tactic to build false trust and patriotism.

Suspicious Phrase: "scan this QR code and approve the request with your 6-digit UPI PIN to receive the money"

CRITICAL RULE: You NEVER need a QR code or UPI PIN to receive money. Scanning a QR and entering PIN sends your money out.

Key takeaway: Fraudsters use fake military credentials and the confusion around UPI payment requests to siphon money from unsuspecting sellers.

Electricity Bill Smishing (SMS)

Example (made up)

Dear Customer, Your electricity power will be disconnected tonight at 9.30 PM from the power sub-division office because your previous month bill was not updated. Please immediately contact our electric officer at +91 99999 XXXXX or update via http://power-bill-update.example.invalid/bill.apk

Red Flags Identified in this message:

Suspicious Phrase: "power will be disconnected tonight at 9.30 PM"

Artificial urgency designed to cause panic so you don't check your physical electricity bill.

Suspicious Phrase: "contact our electric officer at +91 99999 XXXXX"

Real state electricity utilities send official SMS with registered sender headers (e.g. JD-DISCOM), not personal 10-digit mobile numbers.

Suspicious Phrase: "bill.apk"

Malicious Android APK file designed to steal SMS messages and bank OTPs.

Key takeaway: Utilities never disconnect power within hours via unverified 10-digit SMS, nor do they distribute raw .apk files.