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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Tech Support Global Medium risk

Tech Support Pop-Up

A scary full-screen warning tells you your computer is infected and gives a support number.

Who scammers target
Older and less confident computer users
Typical reported loss
$200 – $5,000 per case
Why people fall for this
The alarm looks like it came from the computer itself, and the caller sounds patient and professional.

How it works

  1. 1A web page hijacks your screen with alarms and a "Microsoft / Apple security alert".
  2. 2The number on screen belongs to a call centre, not the software vendor.
  3. 3The "technician" asks you to install remote access software to "clean" the machine.
  4. 4They then show fake evidence of hacking and charge for a fake service — or open your banking app.

Real-world example

A loud alert fills Robert's screen. He calls the number, lets a technician connect, and is told his bank account has been breached and a "refund" was overpaid. He is talked into wiring back $6,000.

  • Real security software never shows a phone number to call.
  • You are asked to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or similar to fix a virus.
  • The technician asks you to log into your bank while they watch.

  • Close the browser (force quit if needed) — the alert is just a web page.
  • Never call a number shown in a pop-up; use the vendor's official website.
  • Refuse all remote-access requests from inbound contacts.
  • If you gave access, disconnect from the internet, uninstall the tool and call your bank.

What it looks like

Remote access app
⚠ Security alert: call 1-8XX-XXX-0192 now
DenyAllow
Illustration of a fake message — recreated for teaching, not a real notice.
Tech Support India High risk

Screen-Sharing Remote Drain

You are asked to install a "helper" app that lets the scammer watch and control your phone.

Who scammers target
Less technical users of any age, often after a genuine failed transaction
Typical reported loss
$500 – $20,000 per case
Why people fall for this
Installing a 'helper app' feels harmless because no password or PIN is ever requested out loud.

How it works

  1. 1A caller offers to fix a failed transaction or a slow refund.
  2. 2They ask you to install a remote-access app such as AnyDesk or TeamViewer.
  3. 3Once you share the code shown by the app, they can see your screen live.
  4. 4They read your OTPs and make transfers from your own banking app.

Real-world example

Sunita's ₹2,000 recharge fails. "Support" asks her to install an app and read out a 9-digit code. A ₹1 test debit appears, then ₹48,000 leaves her account while she watches, unable to stop it.

  • Any request to install a screen-sharing or remote-control app is a red flag, always.
  • You are asked to read out a code shown by that app.
  • A small "test" debit appears just before larger transfers.

  • Refuse all screen-sharing requests, no matter how official the caller sounds.
  • If you installed such an app, turn on airplane mode and uninstall it immediately.
  • Call your bank to freeze the account and then file a report at cybercrime.gov.in.

What it looks like

Remote access app
Allow remote control? Code: 843 219 776
DenyAllow
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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