Cyber Safety for Families

Why Families Are Targeted

Scammers often target family members who are less digitally aware — grandparents, children, and homemakers. A single click on a fake link can compromise the entire family's financial data.

Common Threats for Families

• Fake Lottery / Prize Scam — "You have won ₹5 lakh! Click here." — Never click. You cannot win a prize you never entered.
• Child in Danger Impersonation — Fake messages claiming your child is in trouble. Always call your child directly on a known number to verify.
• WhatsApp Forwards — Unverified news and fraudulent links spread through family groups. Think before you forward.
• Digital Arrest Scam — Fake police / CBI calls threatening arrest unless you pay. Real police never demand money over phone.
• KYC Update Scam — Caller pretends to be bank staff and asks for OTP to "update KYC". Banks never ask for OTP.
• APK Link Scam — Clicking a link in WhatsApp / SMS and installing an app can give hackers full access to your phone.

OTP — Never Share It

An OTP is a digital key. No bank, no government official, no support team will ever ask for it over the phone.

• 🚫 Never share your OTP — not even with family members.
• 📞 Hang up and call 1930 immediately if asked for OTP.
• 📢 Inform family members about the scam attempt right away.

How to Protect Your Family

• Never share OTP, Aadhaar, or bank PIN — not even with relatives on a call.
• Verify any emergency message by calling the person directly on a known number.
• Enable parental controls on devices used by children.
• Create a family secret word — a code word only real family members know.
• For Google Pay / PhonePe: a PIN is needed to SEND money, not to receive it.
• Enable WhatsApp Two-Step Verification and set a 6-digit PIN.