Beware of the Fake Police Calls Scam: How to Protect Yourself and Report Scammers

In recent times, a new scam has been spreading across India, particularly in Kerala, where individuals are receiving fraudulent calls from people pretending to be police officers from Delhi or Mumbai. These scammers claim that illegal activities such as drug trafficking or counterfeit currency are linked to the victim’s name. The goal of the scam is to frighten people into compliance, leading to further extortion or personal data theft. Here’s a guide to help you understand this scam, how to protect yourself, and how to report these scammers to prevent further incidents.

Fake Police Scam Call India Blocking – Image

Understanding the Scam

The fake police calls typically follow a set pattern:

• You receive a call from someone claiming to be a police officer (often from Delhi or Mumbai).
• They inform you that a parcel containing drugs, illegal currencies, or suspicious items is linked to your name or address.
• They may threaten you with legal action if you don’t comply with their demands or share personal information.

Scammers aim to intimidate and trick you into giving sensitive information, transferring money, or falling prey to identity theft.

What to Do If You Receive Such a Call

1. Stay Calm and Do Not Engage
   As soon as you realise the call is suspicious, stay calm and avoid engaging further with the caller. Do not provide any personal details, no matter how threatening or convincing they sound. Simply hang up.
2. Use Humour to Discourage Scammers
   Some people choose to respond with light humour or local phrases to catch the scammer off guard. For example, using a playful or harmless phrase might confuse the scammer and lead them to end the call. This can be a way to stay calm and show that you’re not frightened. However, this is entirely optional and should only be done if you feel comfortable.
3. Report to Local Police Station
   Immediately report the incident to your local police station. They may already be aware of these scams, and your report can help them track and investigate similar cases. Provide as many details as possible, including the number that called you, the conversation, and any threats made.
4. Block the Number in Truecaller
   Use apps like Truecaller to identify and block the number as a scam. Truecaller often flags such numbers, and by marking it as a scam, you help others avoid falling into the trap.
5. Report to TRAI and Your Telecom Provider
   Report the scam number to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) or your telecom provider through their respective apps. Most providers have dedicated features to block and report spam calls.
6. Use Spam Reporting Features in Messaging Apps
   Many messaging apps, such as Google Messages, have spam-reporting features. If the scammer follows up with a message, report it as spam within the app. This prevents further communication and helps flag the number for others.
7. Install Call Blocking Apps
   In addition to Truecaller, there are several apps available that allow you to block scam or spam calls. Use these apps to automatically filter out fraudulent calls.

Audio of Delhi Police Scam Call

Protect Yourself From Future Scams

• Don’t Share Personal Information Over the Phone
  Genuine law enforcement will never ask for your personal information or threaten you over a phone call.
• Verify the Caller’s Identity
  If you’re unsure whether a call is legitimate, take down the caller’s details and contact the relevant authorities directly using official numbers.
• Educate Others
  Share this information with your friends and family to make them aware of the scam. The more people know about it, the less likely they are to fall victim to it.

Reporting Numbers to Google Messaging or Default Apps

If you’re using Google Messaging or a default SMS app, you can report scam numbers directly by following these steps:

1. Open the message from the scammer.
2. Tap on the three dots (menu) and select ‘Report Spam’.
3. You can also block the number from sending you further messages.

Conclusion: Stay Alert and Report

By staying aware and following these measures, you can protect yourself and others from falling victim to the fake police call scam. Remember, legitimate police officers won’t threaten or demand money over the phone. When in doubt, always hang up, report, and block the number.

Let’s join hands to fight back against scammers – stay alert, report them, and share this guide to protect others.

Stay safe and keep scammers at bay!