Top News

Cybercriminals are constantly inventing new ways to deceive people, and a worrying new trend has now come to light. Fraudsters are making fake phone calls in the name of government health departments, with senior citizens being their primary targets. By offering free medical checkups, medicines, or fake health schemes, these cyber scammers are stealing personal and financial information and then using it to commit fraud.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), operating under the Ministry of Home Affairs, has issued a public warning about this growing threat. Through its official handle, @Cyberdost, the government has shared an awareness video on social media platform X, urging people—especially elderly citizens and their families—to remain alert. According to the advisory, these scams are not just isolated incidents but part of an organized attempt to exploit trust, fear, and lack of technical awareness among older individuals.

How the Fake Medical Scam Works

In this type of cyber fraud, criminals pose as officials from the health department or representatives of government-run health schemes. They contact senior citizens over the phone and claim that the government is offering free medical tests, medicines, or special treatment benefits. Sometimes, they even create a sense of urgency by warning about a serious medical condition that allegedly requires immediate attention.

To appear genuine, scammers often use official-sounding language and may already know basic details such as the victim’s name or age. Once trust is established, they ask for sensitive information like Aadhaar numbers, bank account details, debit or credit card information, or one-time passwords (OTPs). In some cases, victims are persuaded to pay a “small registration fee” or share OTPs sent to their phones.

As per Cyberdost, fraudsters may also attempt to sell fake medicines or promote non-existent treatments. Once they gain access to personal or banking details, they quickly transfer money from the victim’s account or misuse the information for further financial fraud. Senior citizens are particularly vulnerable due to limited exposure to digital scams and a natural tendency to trust callers claiming to represent government services.

Why Senior Citizens Are Being Targeted

Cybercriminals deliberately target elderly individuals because many of them are less familiar with digital fraud tactics. They may not be aware that government departments never ask for confidential details over phone calls. In addition, fear related to health issues makes them more likely to believe claims about urgent medical needs or free healthcare benefits.

This type of fraud can have a severe impact, not just financially but also emotionally. Losing savings accumulated over a lifetime can cause stress, anxiety, and loss of confidence among senior citizens.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Family

The Ministry of Home Affairs and Cyberdost have shared several important safety tips to avoid falling victim to such scams. First and foremost, never share personal, banking, or identity-related information with unknown callers. Government health departments and official agencies do not ask for sensitive details over the phone.

If you receive such a call, disconnect immediately and consult a trusted family member before taking any action. Do not click on links sent through messages or emails claiming to offer medical benefits. Always verify information related to government schemes through official websites or authorized helplines only.

Families should take proactive steps to educate elderly members about common cyber fraud methods. Encourage them to check caller identities carefully and to remain cautious, even if the caller sounds convincing. If needed, they should contact the nearest police station or cyber crime cell for guidance.

Where to Report Cyber Fraud

If you or someone you know becomes a victim of such a scam, immediate action is crucial. Victims should call the national cyber crime helpline number 1930 as soon as possible. Complaints can also be registered online through the official cyber crime portal.

Cyberdost has emphasized the importance of timely reporting, stating that quick action significantly improves the chances of recovering lost money and helps authorities take strict action against fraudsters. Victims are also advised to file a complaint with their local cyber crime unit or police station for further investigation.

Stay Alert, Stay Safe

Fake medical checkup and medicine scams are a serious and growing threat, especially for senior citizens. Awareness, caution, and timely reporting are the strongest defenses against such cyber fraud. By staying informed and spreading awareness within families and communities, these scams can be identified early and prevented from causing harm.