Imposter Scams on the Rise: How Callers Are Stealing Money by Posing as Relatives

New Age Scams: Impersonating Relatives to Steal Your Money – How to Stay Protected

By: Javid Amin
Scammers are constantly evolving their tactics, and one of the latest strategies involves posing as family members or close friends to trick unsuspecting individuals into sending money. These sophisticated scams prey on emotions, urgency, and trust, making them harder to identify than traditional fraud schemes. Here’s an in-depth look at how these scams work, real-life examples, and how you can protect yourself and your loved ones.

The Call That Could Fool Anyone: A New Type of Scam

“Hello Divya beta, this is Suresh, your father’s friend. How is work going? Your father gave me your number. He’s having some issues transferring money and asked me to collect Rs 3,000 from you. Can you send it now?”

This call seems innocent at first. The caller knows your name, speaks politely, and even drops familiar references like your father. For a moment, it feels genuine. But it’s not.

In this scenario, the caller is a scammer, not a family friend. This approach, commonly referred to as “Imposter Scams”, has become alarmingly common in India. Scammers pretend to be relatives or close family friends, claiming emergencies or urgent financial needs to pressure victims into sending money quickly.

Also Read | Worried About Your Online Presence? Here’s How We Make You Stand Out

Why These Scams Are So Effective

Unlike phishing emails or fake lottery schemes, these scams use personalized tactics to disarm victims:

Emotional Triggers: Scammers often create urgency—claiming someone is in the hospital, stuck in an emergency, or needs immediate help.
Familiarity: They use basic personal details (often obtained from leaked databases) to establish trust, such as your name, family connections, or workplace.
Pressure to Act Quickly: Victims are given little time to verify the information and are pushed to act before thinking critically.

These tactics are not unique to India. Globally, similar scams—like the “Hey Mom” scam—target victims by impersonating distressed children or parents. In one high-profile case, Hollywood even highlighted this trend in the movie Thelma, where an elderly woman was tricked into transferring money after a fake emergency involving her nephew.

A Growing Concern: The Indian Context

India has seen a sharp rise in cyber scams in recent years, driven by:

Frequent Data Leaks: Massive data breaches expose personal details such as names, phone numbers, and even family connections. Scammers exploit these details to craft believable stories.
High Smartphone Penetration: With millions of Indians relying on smartphones for communication and transactions, fraudsters have a large target pool.
Limited Awareness: Many individuals, especially those less tech-savvy, are unaware of the evolving tactics used by scammers.

Earlier this year, a colleague shared a similar experience where a scammer posing as an LIC agent attempted to steal Rs 27,000 via a payment app. The scammer even used fake screenshots and messages to build credibility.

How to Identify and Avoid Imposter Scams

1. Verify the Caller’s Identity

Always double-check with the alleged sender before taking any action. For example, if someone claims to be a family friend, call your family member directly to confirm.
Use alternate channels to verify the claim. A quick call or message to the person allegedly in trouble can save you from a scam.

2. Be Wary of Urgency

Scammers rely on panic and haste to manipulate victims. If someone is pressuring you to act immediately, take a step back and evaluate the situation.

3. Protect Your Personal Information

Avoid sharing sensitive details like phone numbers, addresses, or family connections publicly.
Limit the information you share on social media platforms to prevent scammers from gathering personal data.

4. Trust Your Instincts

If something feels “off,” trust your gut. Scammers often stumble when questioned. In the example above, the scammer started blabbering when pressed for details.

5. Educate Yourself and Others

Stay informed about the latest scam tactics and share this knowledge with family and friends. Awareness is your first line of defense.

Also Read | Alert: New Banking Trojan ‘ToxicPanda’ Targets Android Users Across Europe and Latin America

How Scammers Get Your Information

Scammers gain access to personal details through a variety of methods, including:

Data Breaches: Leaked databases often include phone numbers, email addresses, and names.
Social Media Mining: Public profiles can reveal family ties, birthdays, and locations.
Phishing Campaigns: Fake emails and messages trick users into providing personal information.

What To Do If You’ve Been Targeted

Stop the Transaction: If you realize mid-transfer that it’s a scam, halt the payment immediately. Most digital payment apps have a cancellation or refund option.
Report the Scam: Notify your bank, the payment app, and the local cybercrime cell. In India, you can report cyber fraud through the Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (www.cybercrime.gov.in).
Warn Others: Share your experience to prevent others from falling into the same trap.

Preventive Measures to Stay Safe

Strengthen Online Security
- Use strong, unique passwords for your accounts.
- Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
Limit Digital Exposure
- Avoid oversharing personal details on social media.
- Regularly review privacy settings on your accounts.
Educate Vulnerable Groups
- Elderly family members and less tech-savvy individuals are often prime targets for scams. Take time to explain common fraud tactics to them.
Verify Financial Requests
- Treat all unexpected money requests as suspicious until verified.
- Use secure methods to confirm the requester’s identity, such as video calls or direct confirmation through trusted contacts.

Also Read | New Scam Alert: Beware of Fraudulent Calls Claiming to Be from FedEx

Building a Safer Digital Environment

As scammers become increasingly sophisticated, public awareness and collective vigilance are the keys to prevention. Companies, governments, and individuals must work together to combat fraud:

Government Actions: Strengthen data protection laws to prevent large-scale leaks.
Corporate Responsibility: Payment platforms and telecom providers must improve fraud detection systems.
Individual Efforts: Stay informed, report scams, and educate others.

Conclusion: Stay Smart, Stay Safe

The rise of imposter scams in India highlights the need for caution in our daily interactions. By being vigilant, verifying information, and sharing knowledge, we can protect ourselves and our loved ones from falling victim to these fraudulent schemes. Remember, it’s always better to double-check than to regret later.

Final Thoughts

By understanding how these scams work and following the precautions outlined, you can stay one step ahead of fraudsters. Remember, a moment of vigilance can save you from significant financial loss. Stay informed, stay alert, and share this information with others!