Smishing

Smishing is phishing by SMS. A scammer sends a text pretending to be your bank, a courier, an electricity company or a government office, with a link or number. Clicking the link or calling the number leads you to hand over details, install a harmful app, or pay money.

Common ones say your bank account or KYC will be blocked, your electricity will be cut, a parcel is held, a traffic fine is due, or you have won a reward. They all push you to act fast through a link or number in the message.

Do not click the link or call the number. Check directly in the official app or website instead. You can report suspected fraud messages on the government's Chakshu facility on the Sanchar Saathi portal, and then delete the message.