What’s Happening?
Have you ever searched Google Search Engine for a customer care number and dialed the first one that appeared? If yes, you might already have stepped into a cybercriminal’s trap. Fraudsters are planting fake customer care numbers online and tricking unsuspecting users into calling them. Once contacted, they lure victims into clicking malicious links, downloading fake apps, or sharing sensitive details and eventually draining entire bank accounts.
Why Does It Matter?
Cybercrime in India is no longer limited to phishing emails or spam messages and it has now entered Google search engine result pages and fake websites. Scammers are now smart and they use Search Engine Optimization (SEO) tactics to push their fraudulent website to the top of searches with black hat techniques such as link farming and keyword stuffing. This makes people believe they are calling the official helpline of a company. But behind that fake number is a scammer waiting to exploit trust.
Where Is It Happening?
This is not restricted to one city or state. Victims are being duped across India. Cybercriminals target all services such as telecom operators, OTT platforms, banks, and even wellness centers.
When Is It Happening?
The trend is recent but rapidly rising in 2025. With more Indians relying on online searches instead of official websites, scammers are finding newer ways to trap victims in real time. We are issuing public alert and appealing citizens of India to be careful when searching for customer care numbers with this explainer.
Whom Does It Target?
The victims are ordinary costumers and anyone trying to contact customer support for billing queries, subscriptions, health services, or banking issues. Scammers don’t discriminate. Their targets range from tech-savvy youth to elderly users who trust the first number that appears on Google (SERP). The vulnerability lies in trusting search engine result pages without verifying authenticity.
How Does the Scam Work?
- Fake Numbers Online – Fraudsters create fake websites or listings that appear genuine. Always visit the official website of the company. Always check the website on portals such as https://sitecheck.sucuri.net and https://www.urlvoid.com.
- SEO Manipulation – They use SEO tricks such as link farming and keyword stuffing are used in order to push these numbers high in Google search engine result pages.
- Contact & Link Sharing – Once you call, the scammer sends a malicious link, often an APK file or screen-sharing app.
How to Stay Safe?
- Never trust the first search result — always visit the official website of the company. Always check the website on portals such as https://sitecheck.sucuri.net and https://www.urlvoid.com
- Avoid clicking links/APK files sent by unknown numbers.
- Check for signs of fake websites — spelling errors, excessive pop-ups, or altered domain names.
- Report fraud immediately at cybercrime.gov.in or call the national helpline 1930.
Conclusion
Cybercriminals are evolving faster than ever. What appears as help is actually a trap. Don’t trust every number you see online. Verify before you dial, because one wrong call could cost you everything.
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