(From the series: Common Sense Chronicles)
Just yesterday, I received a call from an unknown number. The caller’s voice was polite but firm.
“Sir, is this the number of Sakshi Singh?”
“No,” I replied. “You have called the wrong person.”
But he persisted — “Are you sure? This number is registered with her loan details.”
That’s when my tone changed. I said loudly, “There’s no one by that name here, and don’t you dare call again!”
He quietly disconnected.
For a few minutes, I was fuming with anger. But later, as I discussed it with my son, he said calmly,
“Papa, don’t take such calls seriously. These people want you to react. The moment you do, they enjoy it — or worse, record it.”
His words struck me deeply.
We — the ordinary, emotional people — often get trapped not by technology, but by our own reaction.
When One Call Can Shake Your Peace
The world today is more connected than ever, but also more vulnerable than ever.
Fraudsters are not just criminals — they are professionals. They study psychology, behaviour, and patterns. They know how to make you trust them or fear them within seconds.
What begins as a harmless “wrong number” or “verification call” can quickly turn into financial or emotional exploitation.
How Scam Calls Operate
Scam callers are not individuals sitting casually at home. They are part of organised cyber networks.
Here’s how they work:
1. They purchase leaked data: lists of numbers, emails, and names.
2. They use mass-calling software to dial thousands of numbers every day.
3. They pretend to be officials — bank staff, loan departments, police, insurance companies, government verification teams, etc.
4. They use fear or greed to make you act without thinking.
If even a few victims respond, their mission is successful.
Why People Fall for Such Calls
- Scammers know human behaviour better than we know ourselves.
- We fall for their tricks because:
- We respond emotionally instead of logically.
- We panic when we hear words like “loan”, “penalty”, “account freeze”, “legal action”.
- We want quick solutions instead of verification.
- We trust “official tone” without checking credentials.
- This emotional vulnerability is exactly what scammers feed on.
The Dark Side of the Information Revolution
When the digital revolution began, it felt like a blessing. Everything became easier — banking, payments, shopping, communication.
But slowly, it started damaging the peace of common people.
Today, fraudsters have:
- Cheated people of thousands of crores,
- Adopted new digital traps,
- Targeted elderly people and youngsters,
- Made scam-calling a profession.
- These scammers don’t have traditional weapons. Their weapons are
- words, fear, psychology, and your personal information.
Common Scam Call Techniques
These are the most frequently used traps:
1. Loan/EMI Fraud
“You have unpaid EMI. Give details to avoid legal action.”
2. Bank KYC Fraud
“Your KYC is incomplete. Account will be blocked.”
(They then ask for OTP or card details.)
3. Fake Prize/Lottery Calls
“You won a car!”
(They demand “processing fees.”)
4. Police or Court Threats
“There is a case registered in your name.”
5. UPI/OTP Theft
They trick you to share an OTP and empty your account.
These methods change daily, but the intention remains the same — to steal.
What Scammers Really Want
Not all scams aim to steal money immediately.
Some aim to steal your:
- Name
- Aadhaar
- PAN
- Phone number
- Bank details
- Voice recording
This information gets sold on illegal websites and used for future frauds.
How to Protect Yourself
Here are practical, simple habits that will keep you safe:
1. Don’t React Emotionally
If a call sounds suspicious:
Stay calm
Don’t argue
Disconnect immediately
2. Never Share Personal Details
No legitimate organisation will ever ask for:
OTP
CVV
ATM PIN
Passwords
3. Verify Everything
Call the organisation’s official helpline yourself.
4. Block and Report
Use your phone’s Report Spam feature.
Report fraud to:
Cyber Helpline: 1930
Website: www.cybercrime.gov.in
5. Educate Your Family
Talk to your children and elders — they are most vulnerable.
6. Don’t Click Unknown Links
Just one click can give scammers access to your device.
The Real Lesson From My Call
That one irritating phone call taught me something valuable:
We cannot live with the innocence of old times.
We need awareness, not anger.
Scammers celebrate when we panic — your fear is their victory.
My son’s advice still echoes in my mind:
“Don’t give them the reaction they are looking for.”
A Message to My Fellow Citizens
O my countrymen, these scamsters are not just stealing money — they are stealing peace.
They play with emotions, fear, greed, and innocence.
We cannot stop scammers from calling.
But we can make sure they never succeed.
> Awareness is the greatest shield in the digital world.
So the next time your phone rings from an unknown number, don’t react — respond wisely.
Key Takeaways
- Stay calm during suspicious calls.
- Never share confidential information.
- Verify through official sources.
- Educate your family about cyber safety.
- Report fraud without hesitation.