SCAM SPOTTING

AN ONLINE MONTHLY MAGAZINE FOR SENIORS

- 

A. Transfer the money quickly to help B. Ask for your niece's full name and hospital details C. Hang up and call your niece or her parents directly

lhe digital world is full of conveniences, but it’s also a minefield of misleading messages,fake phone calls and online traps. For senior citizens who didn't grow up with smartphones and email, it’s not always easy to tell what’s genuine and what's a scam. This short quiz offers real-life situations and the answers to which should help seniors know what is the right thing to do. Read each situation and see if you can tell what's real and what's a scam.

Urgent courier call

You receive a phone call from someone claiming to be from a courier company. They say a package addressed to you contains suspicious items and that the police are on their way unless you confirm your Aadhaar and bank details. What should you do? A. Stay calm and disconnect/ hang up B. Give your details to avoid police trouble C. Call the number back to check if it’s real

Correct answer: A

This is a classic scare tactic. No courier or police department will ask for personal details over the phone. Hang up and block the number.

Lucky lottery email

An email arrives saying you've won Rs 1 million in an international lottery. You've never entered one, but all they need is your full name, address and a small processing fee of 7499 to release your winnings. Do you: A. Pay the amount and reply with your details B. Delete the email immediately C. Forward the email to someone in your family for checking

Correct answer: B (or C, if youre unsure)

If you didnt enter a lottery, you didnt win one. This is a phishing scam. No genuine prize requires payment upfront.

Refund link