Dhan Suraksha

Scam Library

Search the scams behind most digital payment losses worldwide — how each one works, the warning signs, and the steps to take. No technical background needed.

Last reviewed 01 Aug 2026 · 21 case studies across 3 regions

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Impersonation Global Medium risk

"Hi Mom" WhatsApp Impersonation

A message from a new number claims to be your family member who lost their phone — and needs a payment.

Who scammers target
Parents, especially those whose children live away from home
Typical reported loss
$200 – $3,000 per case
Why people fall for this
A lost phone is a completely normal thing to happen, so the excuse never sounds suspicious.

How it works

  1. 1You receive a WhatsApp or SMS from an unknown number: "Hi Mom, this is my new number."
  2. 2The sender is warm and chatty, and mirrors how your family actually talks.
  3. 3Within a day they explain a locked bank app and ask you to pay a bill for them.
  4. 4The account details belong to a money mule and the funds move on within minutes.

Real-world example

Priya gets a message from an unknown number saying her son changed phones. Two messages later he asks her to pay an urgent invoice of $1,850 because his banking app is locked. She pays. Her son never messaged her.

  • The contact refuses a voice or video call, always with an excuse.
  • A new, unsaved number claims to be someone you know well.
  • The first real request is money, an app code, or a gift card.

  • Call the person on their old, saved number before doing anything.
  • Ask a question only they can answer — and don't accept a vague reply.
  • Never forward verification codes, even to family.
  • Report and block the number inside the messaging app.

What it looks like

Unknown contact
"Hi Mom, this is my new number 🙂"
Wait, why do I need to scan?
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.
Impersonation United States Medium risk

Fake Amazon Support Call

"Amazon" calls about a suspicious order, then converts the call into a refund and remote-access scam.

Who scammers target
Regular online shoppers, especially older adults
Typical reported loss
$200 – $6,000 per case
Why people fall for this
An unexpected large order feels like an emergency, and the 'refund' path leads straight to remote access.

How it works

  1. 1An automated call or email reports a large order — an iPhone, a laptop — that you did not place.
  2. 2You are transferred to "account security", who asks to verify your identity.
  3. 3They connect remotely to "process the refund" and show a fake overpayment on screen.
  4. 4You are then pressured to return the difference in gift cards, crypto or wire transfer.

Real-world example

Helen is told a $1,299 laptop shipped to another state. During the "refund", the screen shows $9,000 credited instead of $900, and she is begged to return the difference before the agent "loses his job".

  • Amazon does not phone customers about orders or ask to access your device.
  • A refund that mysteriously overpays you.
  • Emotional pressure: the agent will be fired unless you help.

  • Hang up and check your order history in the Amazon app.
  • Never allow remote access to your computer for a refund.
  • Banks and retailers never ask for gift cards to correct a refund.
  • Report the call at reportfraud.ftc.gov.

What it looks like

Incoming call
"Amazon Security — order #114-3392 confirmed"
"Approve the request on your app to receive the refund."
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.

Where to report, by country

Already lost money? Report it immediately — the first few hours give the best chance of freezing the funds.

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