A Simple Guide to Recognising Scam Calls for Senior Citizens

My name is Ramesh Iyengar, and I run smartphone-literacy sessions for seniors here in Mysuru. In almost every session, at least one participant tells me about a frightening phone call they received — a stranger claiming to be a bank officer, a CBI officer, or even a relative in hospital. These calls are designed to confuse and scare you so that you give away your money or private information before you have time to think.

You are not alone, and you are not foolish for being targeted. These criminals are professionals. But once you learn their tricks, you can recognise them and stay safe.

The Most Common Types of Scam Calls

The Fake Bank Officer

A caller says your bank account has been blocked, or that there is suspicious activity on your card. They sound very official and urgent. They ask you to share your OTP, account number, ATM PIN, or UPI ID to “verify” your account. They may even know your name and partial account details, which can make them seem genuine.

The Government Official or “CBI Officer”

The caller claims you are involved in a crime — perhaps your Aadhaar number was used for illegal activity, or a parcel in your name was caught at customs. They threaten arrest. They tell you not to tell anyone and to transfer money immediately to “clear your name.” This is called “digital arrest” and it is entirely fake. No real government agency conducts arrests or investigations by video call or phone.

The KYC Update Scam

You receive a call saying your mobile SIM or bank KYC is expiring and will be blocked within hours. The caller asks you to share a link or OTP to “update” your records. This is a trick to take over your phone number or bank account.

The Distressed Relative

Someone calls saying your son, daughter, or grandchild has been in an accident or is in police custody. They beg you to send money immediately and tell you not to call the relative first. Always hang up and call your family member directly before doing anything.

How to Recognise a Scam Call: Six Clear Warning Signs

What to Do When You Receive a Suspicious Call

Step one: Stay calm. Do not let fear make you act quickly. A genuine problem will still be there after you hang up and verify.

Step two: Hang up. Do not stay on the line trying to argue or explain. Simply end the call.

Step three: Do not call back the same number. If you need to verify, call your bank’s official customer care number, which is printed on the back of your debit card or on your bank’s official website.

Step four: Tell a family member or trusted neighbour immediately. They can help you decide what to do next.

Step five: If you have already shared any information or transferred money, call the National Cyber Crime Helpline at 1930 right away. You can also file a complaint at cybercrime.gov.in. Act fast — the faster you report, the better the chance of recovering your money.

A Word for Family Members

If you are reading this for an elderly parent or grandparent, please sit with them and practise these scenarios out loud. Ask: “What would you do if someone called and asked for your OTP?” Practise builds confidence. Also, make sure your phone number is saved in their phone under “Son Arjun” or “Daughter Priya” — not just a number — so they can call you quickly if they are worried.

The goal is not to make our elders afraid of the phone. The goal is to help them feel confident and in control. Knowing what to watch for is a strength, not a reason for fear.