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Scam explainer
Fake customer care number scam also called Fake helpline scam, Google customer care scam, Fake toll-free number
Fraudsters plant fake helpline numbers for banks, airlines, couriers and shops in search results and ads, then use your call to take card details, OTPs or remote access.
How it works
- You search online for a company's helpline to fix a refund, booking or account problem.
- A number in the search results, a map listing or an ad is answered by a polite 'executive'.
- The agent asks you to install a support app, fill a form, pay a small fee or share card details and an OTP to 'process' the refund.
- Money leaves your account, and the details you shared may be reused for further fraud.
Red flags
- A helpline number found through a search result, ad or map listing rather than the company's own website or app.
- A mobile number presented as a toll-free line.
- Requests for an OTP, UPI PIN, card CVV or a small 'verification' payment.
- Instructions to install a screen-sharing or remote-access app.
What to do
- Get helpline numbers only from the company's official website, app, statement or the back of your card.
- If you shared details or paid, call 1930 and your bank immediately, and block your card or UPI.
- File a complaint on cybercrime.gov.in with the number you called and the transaction details.
- Uninstall any app the 'agent' asked you to install.
- Report the number through Chakshu on Sanchar Saathi under fake customer care helpline.
Step-by-step guideLost money in a UPI fraud? What to do in the first hour, and how to complain on 1930
The numbers
Police advisories continue to warn about numbers found through Google searches; Himachal Pradesh police issued one in January 2026 (The Tribune). No official loss figure for this scam type has been published.
- Chakshu reports of fake customer care helplines rose from 30,969 in 2024 to 60,985 in 2025, DoT told the Rajya Sabha. — PIB (DoT) — Chakshu facility of Sanchar Saathi: suspected fraud communications reported, Rajya Sabha reply (5 Feb 2026)
Desk coverage
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- Lost money in a UPI fraud? What to do in the first hour, and how to complain on 1930
Sources
- The Tribune — Police issue advisory on fake customer care numbers (12 Jan 2026)
- The News Minute — Googling customer care numbers? Be warned of scammers, says Hyd police advisory (18 Jan 2020)
- PIB (DoT) — Chakshu facility of Sanchar Saathi: suspected fraud communications reported, Rajya Sabha reply (5 Feb 2026)