Fake customer care numbers: the helpline you found on Google may be a scammer
Fraudsters post fake customer care numbers for banks, airlines, couriers and shopping apps on search results, maps and social media. When you call about a refund or failed payment, they ask you to install AnyDesk, TeamViewer or QuickSupport, share an OTP, or fill a “refund form”. That gives them control of your phone or approves payments.
Take helpline numbers only from the company’s official app, website or the back of your card.
Last updated: Reviewed by IndiaDigital editorsSources
How does this scam work?
- You search for a helpline and call the first number you see.
- The “agent” is friendly and offers a quick refund.
- You are asked to install a screen-sharing app or open a link and enter a code or PIN.
- While you watch, money moves out of your account.
Real-style examples
Numbers and links are changed. The red flags are marked by the same engine that runs in the Scam Checker.
Your refund of Rs 2,340 is pending. Please download AnyDesk from Play Store and share the 9 digit code with our customer care executive to process the refund.
- Screen-sharing app (AnyDesk, TeamViewer)
- Refund, cashback or reward to “claim”
- Mentions customer care or a helpline
Flipkart customer care: For refund of your cancelled order call our helpline 7894561230 and share the OTP received.
- Asks you to share an OTP
- Asks you to call a personal mobile number
- Mentions customer care or a helpline
Red flags: how to spot it
- A 10-digit mobile number as “customer care”
- Screen-sharing apps: AnyDesk, TeamViewer, QuickSupport
- An OTP or PIN “to process the refund”
- Refund forms on unknown links
How to check if it is real
- Use the help section inside the official app.
- Look for the number on the company’s official website or your card.
- Real support never needs your PIN, OTP or screen.
What to do if you get one
- Uninstall any screen-sharing app immediately.
- Call your bank to block cards and UPI, change passwords from another device.
- Lost money? Call 1930.
Remember: Take helpline numbers only from the company’s official app, website or the back of your card.
Lost money? What to do in the first hour
- Call 1930 now. The National Cyber Crime Helpline. The first hour matters most: a quick report lets banks try to hold the money before it moves on.
- File the complaint on cybercrime.gov.in. Add the transaction ID or UTR, amount, time, the UPI ID or account the money went to, and screenshots. Note your complaint number.
- Tell your bank and freeze cards and UPI. Call the number on your card or in the bank app. Reporting within 3 working days can limit your liability under RBI rules.
- Keep the evidence, beware “recovery agents”. Don’t delete chats. Anyone who charges a fee to get your money back is running a second scam.
Frequently asked questions
Why does the customer care number on Google not work?
Anyone can edit business listings and post ads. Scammers do this with fake numbers. Use only the number in the official app or website.
Related scams
Sources
National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal (1930) · Sanchar Saathi: Chakshu, report suspected fraud communication · RBI: limiting customer liability in unauthorised electronic banking transactions