Government Warns Users About Fake Calls Showing Indian Numbers

The government has issued a fresh warning over the growing number of cyber fraud cases involving fake calls that appear to originate from Indian mobile numbers. According to officials, scammers are now using advanced technology to disguise international calls with a +91 prefix, making people believe the calls are coming from within India.

Authorities say many users unknowingly trust these calls because the numbers look familiar and legitimate. Cyber criminals are taking advantage of this trust to steal banking information, OTPs and sensitive personal data from unsuspecting victims.

The latest alert comes at a time when online financial fraud and phone scams are rising rapidly across the country. Fraudsters are constantly changing their tactics and are now using fake Indian number displays to make their scams appear more authentic.

Officials explained that scammers often pretend to be bank employees, police officers, government officials or KYC verification executives. During these calls, victims are pressured into sharing confidential details such as debit card numbers, Aadhaar information, internet banking passwords or UPI PINs.

In many cases, the fraudsters create panic or urgency to manipulate people into making quick decisions. Some callers claim that a bank account will be blocked immediately unless verification is completed, while others threaten legal action or account suspension.

The government has also warned that fraud is no longer limited to normal voice calls. Cyber criminals are increasingly using WhatsApp calls and internet based communication platforms to target users. Even foreign numbers can now appear similar to Indian mobile numbers, increasing confusion among the public.

Experts say scammers mainly try to collect OTPs, account credentials and card details that can be used to access bank accounts and transfer money illegally. Once victims share these details, financial losses can happen within minutes.

To stay safe, users have been advised never to share OTPs, passwords or PIN numbers over calls, regardless of how genuine the caller sounds. Banks and official institutions do not ask customers for confidential information through phone calls.

People are also encouraged to block suspicious numbers immediately and use spam reporting tools available on smartphones and messaging apps. Authorities recommend using only official banking apps and verified websites for financial activities.

If someone accidentally shares sensitive banking information with a suspected scammer, officials advise contacting the bank immediately to block transactions and secure the account. Victims can also report cyber fraud incidents through the national Cyber Crime Helpline number 1930.

With cyber criminals using increasingly sophisticated methods, experts believe awareness and caution remain the strongest protection against digital fraud. Even a simple phone call that appears harmless could become a serious financial threat if personal information is shared carelessly.