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A new cyber fraud targeting elderly citizens is on the rise, where scammers trick victims by promising fake insurance claim payouts and steal lakhs of rupees. Posing as representatives of insurance companies, these fraudsters demand processing fees and OTPs, causing victims to lose their savings.

How the Scam Works

Scammers call elderly individuals claiming that their old health or life insurance claim has been approved, offering large sums of money. To release the claim, they ask for small “processing fees” or verification charges, ranging from ₹500 to several thousand rupees. Once the money is transferred, the scammers disappear.

These calls are often carefully planned:

• Scammers target random numbers or use leaked data.

• They present themselves as legitimate insurance company representatives, quoting fake policy numbers.

• They pressure victims, claiming the offer is valid for a limited time (e.g., 24 hours).

• Sometimes, they send fake documents via WhatsApp to make the scam appear authentic.

• OTPs or links are requested to steal bank details or lead victims to phishing sites.

How to Protect Yourself

Preventing this fraud is possible with vigilance:

1. Remember: Legitimate insurance companies never ask for processing fees or OTPs over the phone.

2. Verify independently: Check claim status through the company’s official website or customer care.

3. Do not share bank or UPI details over calls or messages.

4. Avoid clicking on suspicious links received via calls or WhatsApp—they may contain malware.

5. Seek help from family members if an unusual call is received.

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), through its official handle “Cyber Dost”, has warned citizens to stay alert and follow these precautions to avoid falling victim to this scam.